A new controversy has erupted around Olympic boxer Imane Khelif after a leaked report suggested she is biologically male. This claim has led to renewed calls for her to be stripped of the gold medal she won at the Paris Olympics.
Khelif, who is from Algeria, and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting were already under scrutiny after both were allowed to compete despite not passing gender eligibility tests at last year’s world championships. The leaked report, first mentioned by the German newspaper Bild, alleges that Khelif has male characteristics. However, the authenticity of this report is still unclear. It was prepared in 2023 by endocrinology experts from France and Algeria.
Piers Morgan, a well-known media figure, criticized the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for letting Khelif compete. He argued on social media that Khelif’s gold medal should be taken away, stating, “Confirmation of what some of us said at the time: Khelif is a biological man. The gold medal should now be stripped and awarded to the best actual woman.”
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova also supported the call to strip Khelif of her medal. She expressed frustration that those who questioned Khelif’s gender were often criticized themselves. Navratilova emphasized that many women have lost opportunities due to the participation of individuals whose gender identity is in question.
Khelif won her gold medal by defeating Chinese boxer Yang Liu, and her victory sparked emotional responses from some competitors. Despite the ongoing controversy, Khelif has consistently stated that she is a biological female. After her win, she defended herself, saying, “I am a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, I lived as a woman, I competed as a woman.” She called her critics “enemies of success,” implying that their negativity only adds to the significance of her achievements.
The debate over Khelif’s participation in the Olympics has drawn the attention of several high-profile individuals, including author JK Rowling and entrepreneur Elon Musk, who have shared their views on social media. This controversy highlights ongoing discussions about gender identity in sports and fairness in competition.
