Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif identified as male in leaked medical report
Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif, who recently won the gold medal in the 66kg women’s boxing category at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is facing another controversy following reports that question her biological identity.
A leaked report accessed by French journalist Djaffar Ait Aoudia reveals that Khelif, though born female and not identifying as transgender or intersex, reportedly has male characteristics.
According to the report published by Reduxx, medical records obtained by Aoudia suggest that Khelif has “testicles” and an XY chromosome pattern, indicative of a condition related to sexual development. The report was allegedly compiled through a collaboration between Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital in Paris and Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in Algiers in June 2023.
Khelif’s gold medal win was marred by controversy in the ring - Italian boxer Angela Carini abandoned her opening bout against Khelif after just 46 seconds, launching a barrage of media scrutiny towards the Algerian boxer.
This is not the first time Khelif’s participation has drawn scrutiny; last year, she was disqualified from the World Championships in New Delhi after failing a gender eligibility test issued by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
The medical report, which includes MRI scans and hormone analyses, outlines characteristics associated with a disorder of sexual development. Khelif reportedly lacks a uterus, possesses internal testes, and shows traits of a "micropenis" or enlarged clitoris, according to the report’s findings. Chromosome tests purportedly indicate an XY karyotype and hormone levels reportedly align with typical male ranges.
Additionally, the report suggests that Khelif may have 5-alpha reductase deficiency, a condition that impacts sexual development in genetic males and often leads to delayed masculinisation until adolescence. Individuals with this condition may experience body hair growth, increased muscle mass, and absence of menstruation, yet are often raised as females if the disorder is undetected early.
Khelif’s family maintains her female identity. “My child is a girl. She was raised as a girl. She's a strong girl,” her father, Omar Khelif, stated amidst the controversy.
The report further advises Khelif to undergo a "sexual transition," recommending "surgical correction" to remove her gonads and monthly hormone therapy, specifically Decapeptyl injections, to reduce testosterone levels.
