Questions have come up about the gender of Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer who recently won a gold medal in women’s boxing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. A leaked medical report now suggests that Khelif, who identifies as a woman, has biological traits more commonly found in males.

French journalist Djaffar Ait Aoudia got hold of this report, which describes these traits, sparking fresh debate and strong reactions from the public and well-known figures.

According to the leaked report, made by experts from two hospitals in Paris and Algiers, Imane Khelif has internal testicles and XY chromosomes, which are usually found in males. These traits suggest a condition called 5-alpha reductase deficiency, which affects how the body processes testosterone and can cause physical differences in development. 

The report also mentions that Khelif does not have a uterus and that an MRI scan found a very small penis. These findings have sparked new discussions about who is eligible to compete in women’s sports, especially in major international events.

Controversy surrounds Khelif’s participation in women’s boxing

This recent information about Khelif isn’t entirely new. In 2023, it was already known that she has XY chromosomes, which are usually found in males. Because of this, the International Boxing Association (IBA) stopped her from competing in the World Championship Gold Medal fight in New Delhi. However, Khelif was still allowed to compete in the 2024 Olympics, where she won the gold medal in women’s boxing. The leak of her medical information has now led to strong reactions around the world.

The leaked report has started an intense debate, especially in the United States, where the topic of gender in sports is very controversial. Former U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned Khelif in a recent political ad to criticise how the Biden-Harris administration handles gender and sports issues. Other Republican politicians, like Vivek Ramaswamy and JD Vance, also spoke out. They said they disagree with athletes who have XY chromosomes competing in women’s sports and stated that, if they were in charge, they would not allow people who are biologically male to compete in female sports divisions.

Well-known people online also raised concerns, asking if Khelif should have been allowed to compete in women’s boxing. Riley Gaines, a gender rights activist, shared her thoughts on social media. She wrote, “Remember the man who won an Olympic gold medal in women’s boxing? His medical reports show he has XY chromosomes, male testosterone levels, testicles, and a micropenis. But that never mattered—they believe that words and feelings make you a woman, not biology.”

Reduxx Magazine posted details from the medical report on social media. They wrote, “The Olympics wanted you to believe this is a woman." Imane Khelif was allowed to beat up women and claim a gold medal. Those that stood up against the injustice were called 'racists.' Now, medical reports reveal Imane Khelif is in fact a MALE.” In another post, Reduxx added, “Imane Khelif has XY chromosomes, male testosterone levels, testicles, and a micropenis. He stole a woman’s medal after beating up multiple women. Leftists and the media defended him. Democrats hate women.”

Khelif stays strong through public backlash

During this heated debate, Khelif spoke out about the controversy surrounding her gender and insisted that she is a woman. She said, “I’m a woman like any other woman. I was born as a woman; I live as a woman, and I am qualified.” Khelif also mentioned that the strong discussions about her gender, driven by well-known people like Elon Musk, J.K. Rowling, and Donald Trump, had affected her emotionally.