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An unverified report claiming to have evidence that Imane Khelif was ‘biologically male’ has led a women’s rights group to demand that the Algerian fighter’s Olympic gold medal be ‘taken away’.
Amidst a dispute over gender eligibility, Khelif’s strong run to the final helped her win gold in Paris.
She had been disqualified from the 2023 IBA-sponsored Women’s World Boxing Championships, but the Algerian was permitted to fight by the IOC, who had suspended the IBA.
Angela Carini, her opponent in the second round, reportedly insisted she ‘had never felt a punch like this’ and retired 46 seconds in, further igniting controversy.
Even after winning the tournament and receiving a lot of praise back home in Algeria, Khelif continued to face criticism in the media and online.
According to a French article earlier this month, which has not yet been verified as authentic, the 25-year-old possesses XY chromosomes and “male characteristics.”
The Independent Council on Women’s Sport (ICONS) co-founder has now asserted that Khelif should forfeit her medal after the IOC, the main Olympic regulatory body, gave her permission to compete.
In response to a question from German publication BILD, ICONS co-founder Kim Jones stated, “We agree that the medal and all awards should be taken away and given to the best performing female athlete.”
“Sanctions and penalties should be imposed to hold accountable those who put women at serious risk through deception and loss of their performances,” Jones continued. “This includes the heads of the IOC and the Algerian team.”
“This case is an excellent illustration of what happens when leadership is either too ignorant or too afraid to carry out its duties.”
Expert endocrinologists from France and Algeria, who worked at the Mohamed Lamine Debaghine hospital in Algiers and the Kremlin-Bicetre hospital in Paris, were reportedly involved in the report.
However, endocrinologist Jacques Young, who is said to have co-authored the letter and works at Bicetre Hospital in Paris, told DW in Germany that he believes his name is being used to disseminate misleading information.
“These attacks, often based on unsubstantiated allegations, aim to tarnish the image of an athlete who has brought honour to our nation on the international stage,” the Algerian Olympic Committee told DW in a statement.
The IOC stated that it will “not comment on media reports about unverified documents whose origin cannot be confirmed, or while legal action is ongoing.” The statement that was released after the scandal at the Olympics in Paris was then repeated.
The IOC stated that Khelif was now taking action in response to fresh complaints that surfaced in France earlier this week. Khelif had already filed a legal complaint with the French authorities regarding the online harassment and abuse she experienced during the Games.
An IOC spokeswoman stated, “We are aware that Imane Khelif has filed a lawsuit against those who made remarks about her circumstances during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and is also getting ready to file a lawsuit in response to the most recent reporting.”
“The IOC will not comment on media reports regarding unverified documents whose origin cannot be confirmed or while legal action is ongoing.”
As the statement noted, Khelif had been a women’s boxing competitor ‘for many years’, including at IBA-sanctioned competitions and the previous Games in Tokyo.
Her father made an impassioned speech to Sky Sports amid the criticism Khelif faced during the Games.
“I have a girl child.” She grew up as a girl. She is a girl of strength. I brought her up to be courageous and industrious. He said, “She has a strong will to work and to train.”
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