Imane Kerif’s Controversial Stance on Gender in Sports

Imane Kerif, an Olympic gold medalist who excelled in the women’s 66kg category at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has sparked discussion regarding male participation in women’s sports.

Despite being identified as male by multiple sources, Kerif firmly states, “I am not transgender. I am a girl. I was raised as a girl.”

Last year, World Athletics instituted mandatory genetic testing for those competing in the women’s category, particularly targeting the SRY gene, which is usually found only in males on the Y chromosome.

For more than a year, Kerif denied claims about being male but eventually acknowledged having the SRY gene, while still identifying as female. He has expressed willingness to undergo testing.

In an interview with French outlet L’Equipe, Kerif mentioned having a “female phenotype,” asserting “Yes, it’s natural. I have female hormones. Unbeknownst to many, I have already lowered my testosterone levels for competition.”

Kerif elaborated, “I’m surrounded by medical professionals, and I’ve undergone hormone therapy to reduce my testosterone. By the time of the Paris qualifying tournament in Dakar, I achieved testosterone levels close to zero, securing my gold medal.”

According to reports, healthy testosterone levels in women are generally between 0.3 and 3 nanomoles per liter. The consequences of leveling testosterone near zero can be significant, potentially resulting in poor bone health and low energy levels.

Throughout the conversation, Kerif emphasized diversity in genetics and hormone levels, insisting, “I am not a transsexual. My differences are natural. I am who I am, and I’m not trying to change nature.”

He concluded by stating his readiness for any upcoming tests at future tournaments, noting he has already reached out to World Boxing with his medical records and hormone tests, yet hasn’t received a response. “I won’t hide, nor will I refuse the test. It baffles me why there’s so much exaggeration around my story,” he said.

Multiple reports regarding Kerif’s gender indicate he is male, supported by tests conducted by the International Boxing Association and the World Boxing Organization. These results have revealed that he possesses XY chromosomes, along with internal testes and a condition known as 5-alpha-reductase type 2 deficiency. This condition, as recognized, can lead to the development of a “micropenis.”

Both World Athletics and W.B.O. are set to implement testing for the SRY gene.

It is worth noting, although rare, some individuals can carry the SRY gene while having female chromosomes (XX), a condition referred to as the 46,XX testicular sex development difference. This genetic anomaly results in individuals with XX chromosomes developing male characteristics, usually with underdeveloped testes.

Kerif, while maintaining a female identity, continues to claim that her differences are natural.

When asked about participating in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Kerif mentioned, “I prefer not to mix sports and politics.” However, he respects Trump as President. “But he should not misrepresent the truth. I am a girl, raised as a girl, and that’s known in my community. If he values the truth, I’ll respect him.”