Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, has found herself at the center of controversy surrounding her gender and sex after Italian boxer Angela Carini abruptly ended their Olympics bout after just 46 seconds. False reports began to circulate claiming that Khelif is a transgender woman, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) quickly clarified that she was assigned female at birth. The Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee (COA) and the IOC have condemned the misinformation and called it “malicious” and “unethical.”
The controversy surrounding Khelif’s participation in the Olympics stems from her disqualification from the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) 2023 Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi. The IBA claims that she failed to meet the eligibility criteria for participating in the women’s competition, but they have not specified what those criteria were. This disqualification led to rumors that Khelif is transgender or assigned male at birth.
The IBA conducted a separate test on Khelif, the details of which remain confidential. They stated that Khelif and another boxer, Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan, were found to have competitive advantages over other female competitors. Both athletes appealed their disqualification, but their appeals were unsuccessful. The decisions made by the IBA are legally binding.
It is important to note that having XY chromosomes does not necessarily mean that someone is male. According to medical and health organizations, individuals with differences in sexual development (DSD), also known as intersex, may have atypical genes, hormones, and reproductive organs that do not align with traditional male or female expectations. Estimates suggest that up to 1.7% of people may have intersex traits.
The IOC has expressed its support for the athletes involved and stated that every person has the right to participate in sports without discrimination. They criticized the IBA’s decision, arguing that eligibility rules should not be changed during competition and should be based on scientific evidence.
The IOC follows the gender and age information stated on athletes’ passports to determine their eligibility. These rules have been applied consistently in various boxing tournaments, including the 2023 European Games, Asian Games, Pan American Games, and Pacific Games, among others.
The IBA and IOC have had a contentious relationship since 2019 when the IOC suspended the IBA due to concerns about financial transparency and the integrity of its policies. The IOC officially withdrew recognition of the IBA in 2023, taking over the management of boxing at the Olympic level. The IBA has criticized this decision, claiming that they have made significant progress in improving transparency and integrity.
Imane Khelif’s journey to boxing was not an easy one. She faced bullying from boys in her rural village in Algeria for excelling at football. Her father initially disapproved of her boxing aspirations, but Khelif and her mother worked hard to support her passion. They sold scrap metal and couscous to pay for her boxing lessons.
Khelif’s next match is scheduled for August 3rd at 11:22 a.m. ET. Both Khelif and Lin’s Olympic teams have been contacted for comment.
Overall, it is crucial to approach discussions about gender and sex in sports with sensitivity and respect for the individuals involved. The IOC’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all athletes should be applauded, and efforts should be made to avoid spreading misinformation or engaging in discriminatory behavior.
