Controversial Boxer Imane Khelif Shares Insights on Her Biological Makeup

Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer, has been at the forefront of discussions regarding transgender athletes in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympics. In an interview with France’s L’Equipe, she revealed details about her biological makeup, indicating she possesses female characteristics alongside the SRY gene, which is typically associated with males.

Khelif has expressed her willingness to undergo testing ahead of the 2028 Olympics if needed. “Yes, that’s natural,” she stated. “I have female hormones, and people may not realize it, but I’ve actually taken steps to lower my testosterone levels before fights, under the guidance of doctors and through hormone therapy.” She further noted, “I managed to reduce my testosterone to zero during the Paris Games qualifying round in Dakar, where I earned the gold medal.”

Her comments gained attention after the World Boxing Organization declared that gender testing would become mandatory for all competitions starting in 2025. Khelif’s name was specifically highlighted in this announcement. Subsequently, she withdrew from international boxing events, commenting, “When they published my name, it created a crisis for me. It led to more controversy and a new movement against me.”

While Khelif intends to compete in the Olympics, there remain uncertainties regarding potential new guidelines for sex testing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) previously released a framework on fairness and non-discrimination based on gender identity, which emphasizes that athletes should only be excluded based on substantial evidence of a competitive edge.

Kirsty Coventry, the new IOC president, has hinted at reviewing these testing regulations, stating that while the differences in sports need acknowledgment, protecting women’s categories is paramount. Khelif emphasized her readiness to undergo testing to defend her Olympic title: “I’ll accept whatever is necessary for participation,” she remarked.

“Sure, protection for women is essential, but it’s crucial to ensure that such measures do not end up harming others,” she added. “The decisions rest with doctors and educators. We all have unique genetic backgrounds and hormone levels. I’m not a transsexual. My situation is natural. I haven’t altered anything about my biology,” she explained, expressing her openness to testing her hormone levels and medical records with the World Boxing body.

Khelif rose to prominence in the transgender athletics debate after her notable round-of-16 match against Italy’s Angela Carini, which ended controversially when Carini was disqualified, labeling the outcome “unfair.” Despite some queries regarding Khelif’s gender—several comments from the public and even figures like Donald Trump identified her as male—the IOC reiterated that her participation as a woman posed no problems.

“Algerian boxers are recognized as women, live as women, and hold women’s passports,” stated IOC representative Mark Adams. Khelif reiterated to CNN her identity, firmly stating, “I’m not transgender. I’m a woman. I wish to live my life without being politicized.” She also confirmed her earlier elevated testosterone levels and added that they have been lowered in accordance with her physician’s advice.

“Boxing isn’t about testosterone; it’s about strategy, experience, and discipline,” she asserted. Khelif acknowledged the psychological toll of being a focal point in this global dialogue, noting, “The events surrounding the Olympics caused emotional trauma for both me and my family. Yet, I’m still here. I continue to fight and box.”