Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, whorecentlywonthe Olympic gold medal, hastaken legal action over media reports thatincluded leaked details of her medical records. The scandalsparked a heated debate afteremerging during the Paris 2024 Olympics when 25-year-old Imane Khelif, freshfrom her historicvictory,downed Italian Angela Carini in just 46 seconds. The shock defeat that left Carini with a severe nose injury and visibly shaken broughtserious media focus and,withit, intense public commentating.

Where the new controversy started

Reports from French media outlets this week suggested that Khelif has XY chromosomes, reigniting a conversation around her eligibility to compete in the women’s boxing category. The issue has drawn comments from famous figures, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling, underlining the cultural and political weight of the topic.

Asaconsequence of the comprehensivepublicdiscussion and cyberbullying, Khelif has initiated lawsuits in France against individuals and media outlets thathavespoken about her gender in the context of the Olympic Games. The IOCcitedthatKhelif is preparing additional lawsuits against the media regardingthe reporting of her alleged medical record.

The IOC refusedtomake specific comments on the caseinquestion or on the detailsof Khelif's medical file, which, it claimed, arenot yet confirmed."We understand that Imane Khelif has taken legal action against individuals who commented on her situation during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and is also preparing a lawsuit in response to the latest reporting," the IOC stated.

The IOC highlighted that Khelif has competed in women's boxing at major international competitions, including the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, IBA World Championships, and IBA-sanctioned competitions. The organization sympathizedwith Khelif, condemning the harassment and unflattering attention she has receivedasthisscandaltook center stage. "The IOC is saddened by the abuse that Imane Khelif is currently receiving," it added.

Once she returned from the Olympics, Khelif was welcomed like any hero. The fans and supporters were celebrating her success even when trying to forget the turmoil that dominated much of the media. To this day, the case remains a focal point in the ongoing debate on gender eligibility in sport