In bold statements to the French newspaper L'Équipe, Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif revealed that she underwent hormone therapy to lower her testosterone levels before participating in and winning the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. These statements came as a strong response to the widespread global controversy surrounding her gender, confirming that she is not a "trans woman".
Background of the controversy and historical context
The controversy dates back to the World Boxing Championships in March 2023, when Khalif was disqualified from the final due to what the International Boxing Association (IBA) described as "failure to meet eligibility standards" related to testosterone levels. Despite this decision, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed her to participate in the Paris Olympics, sparking a division within the global sporting community regarding the criteria for women's participation, particularly given the ongoing disputes between the IOC and the IBA.
The impact of the Olympic victory and the storm of criticism
Khalif won the gold medal in the 66kg weight class in Paris, but her victory sparked a storm of criticism and attacks on social media. Prominent figures such as former US President Donald Trump, businessman Elon Musk, and British author J.K. Rowling joined the campaign, questioning her eligibility to compete in the women's category and accusing her of being a "man fighting women." This controversy highlighted the issue of athletes with gender dysphoria (DSD) in women's sports, a complex issue on scientific, ethical, and regulatory levels.
Khalif's decisive statements
In her interview, Khalif (26 years old) explained, “I have female hormones, and what people don’t know is that I took hormone replacement therapy to lower my testosterone levels in order to participate in some competitions.” She confirmed that she carries the SRY gene on the Y chromosome, considering it “normal.” She emphasized her female identity, saying, “I am not transgender; I am a girl. I was raised as a girl, I grew up as a girl, and people in my village have always known me as a girl.”.
The future of sports and facing challenges
Khalif is looking forward to competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, aware that she will be subject to more rigorous genetic testing mandated by World Boxing, which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee. She expressed her complete readiness for these tests, saying, "If I have to take a test, I will; I have no problem with that." She added, "I contacted World Boxing and sent them my medical file, my hormone tests, everything, but I haven't received any response." She also plans to enter the world of professional boxing, asserting that the controversy will not deter her from achieving her ambition of becoming the first Algerian athlete in history to retain her Olympic title.
