The controversy surrounding Olympic gold medalist boxer Imane Khelif has escalated as tennis legend Martina Navratilova has voiced strong objections, based on reports alleging Khelif’s gender as “biologically male.”
This revelation, first brought to light in the German tabloid Bild, has reignited public debate over gender and eligibility in women’s sports.
Navratilova, known for her outspoken views on the topic, took to social media platform X to criticize the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to allow Khelif to compete at the Paris Games.
Navratilova, addressing her followers, stated, “Imane might have been raised as a woman but Imane is a biological male and should not have been allowed to box at the Olympics.”
Her remarks come on the heels of a purported medical report indicating that Khelif may have male biological characteristics.
The authenticity of the report remains unverified, but it allegedly involves evaluations by expert endocrinologists from both France and Algeria.
A growing debate and public backlash
This controversy first began in the summer when both Khelif, representing Algeria, and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting faced allegations over their gender, despite winning Olympic gold as women.
The public outcry intensified after Khelif’s dominant performance in the ring raised questions, particularly after her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew from a match within 46 seconds, citing severe pain from Khelif’s punches.
Navratilova’s response has been echoed by other public figures, with British journalist Piers Morgan joining the debate, demanding that Khelif be stripped of her gold medal.
Morgan declared, “Khelif is a biological man… The gold medal should now be stripped and awarded to the best actual woman.”
Khelif’s competitive history has included prior controversy; last year, she was disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) mid-competition due to what were called “failed eligibility tests.”
Although the IBA did not clarify the basis for this ruling, it was noted that Khelif reportedly possesses XY chromosomes. The IBA, however, has been silent on its testing standards, leaving much about its methods and findings shrouded in mystery.
Khelif’s response and defiance
Despite mounting scrutiny, Khelif has remained steadfast in her identity as a female athlete. Following her victory in Paris, she addressed the critics head-on.
“As for whether I qualify or not, whether I am a woman or not… I am fully qualified to take part in this competition,” Khelif said. “I’m a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, I lived as a woman, I competed as a woman, there’s no doubt about that.”
For her part, Navratilova has continued to challenge the IOC’s stance on gender eligibility, with her critique underscoring a call for clarity and consistent standards in competitive sports.
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