 "Imane Khelif's gender identity has been questioned following a leaked medical report. Image: Reuters")
The Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif from Algeria is once again facing scrutiny over her gender identity, drawing reactions from notable figures worldwide, including former US President and 2024 Republican nominee Donald Trump. Khelif has been facing new questions over her gender after a leaked medical report claimed that the 25-year-old Algerian boxer lacks a uterus, has internal testicles , and a “micropenis" resembling an enlarged clitoris.
Khelif had won the gold medal in the women’s 66kg division at the Paris Olympics. Her participation in the Summer Games had led to a massive controversy given she was suspended by the International Boxing Association (IBA) ahead of the 2023 World Championship gold medal match in New Delhi after reportedly failing a chromosome test. Khelif, however, was allowed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to participate in the Olympics 2024.
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Khelif features in Trump video
Nonetheless, the recent leaked medical report is only going to fuel more scrutiny of Khelif who also featured in one of Trump’s latest campaign videos.
In the video that talks about things that have gone “wrong” under the current Joe Biden administration, Khelif’s images are used when the voiceover artist says, “Men can beat up women and win medals.”
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Impact Shorts
More ShortsBritish TV personality Piers Morgan on social media called for Imane Khelif to be stripped of her gold medal due to ongoing questions about her gender identity.
“Confirmation of what some of us said at the time: Khelif is a biological man. The gold medal should now be stripped and awarded to the best actual woman,” Morgan wrote on X.
More reactions on Imane Khelif
American political activist and swimmer, Riley Gaines, questioned Khelif being allowed to compete in the women’s division.
“Remember the man who won an Olympic gold medal in women’s boxing? His medical reports show he has XY chromosomes, male testosterone levels, testicles, & a micropenis. But that never mattered—they believe that words & feelings make you woman, not biology.”
Former UFC fighter, Jake Shields, in his reaction, said: “It crazy how many people believed that this was a female.”
It has to be noted that Khelif has participated in numerous IBA boxing events before being banned in 2023.