Imane Khelif‘s gender revelation has caused uproar among combat sports fans.
For years, controversy has shadowed Khelif’s achievements in women’s boxing. On her way to international success, the Algerian has emerged as one of the best in her weight class, dominating her peers on the way to Olympic gold, but it hasn’t come without criticism.
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Ahead of the 2028 Games, in which Imane Khelif wants to compete, many questions are being raised regarding her eligibility. The noise surrounding her true gender is growing louder, and after years of doubt, Khelif has confirmed that she, in fact, has a female phenotype, despite the presence of the SRY gene, which is associated with the male sex.
With the confirmation of male genes in her DNA, Khelif is willing to undergo specific condition testing, as she prepares to participate in the Olympic Games in two years. The 26-year-old is certain
“Yes, and it’s natural,” Khelif told French media outlet L’Équipe. “I have female hormones. And people don’t know it, but I’ve already lowered my testosterone levels for competitions.”
“I’m surrounded by doctors, a teacher is following me, and I’ve taken hormonal treatments to lower my testosterone levels.”
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Taking home gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Imane Khelif received backlash from fans for the clear physical advantage she had over her opponents.
On the way to first place on the podium, Khelif defeated Angela Carini, sparking a reaction from viewers. The African native would go on to beat Luca Anna Hamori, Janjaem Suwannapheng, and later outwork China’s Yang Liu to claim the ultimate prize.
According to Imane Khelif, she worked hard to prove that she should be a welcome participant two years ago.
“For the qualifying tournament at the Paris Games, which was held in Dakar, I lowered my testosterone level to zero. And I won the gold medal there.”
