Calls grow for Algerian boxer Imane Khelif to be stripped of Olympic gold medal after gender test leak

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif poses with the gold medal in the women's 66kg boxing at the Paris Olympics during the awards ceremony on Aug. 9, 2024. Photo by AP

Khelif was previously disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Boxing Championships due to abnormally high testosterone levels. The International Boxing Association (IBA) subsequently conducted DNA testing, reportedly confirming that Khelif has XY chromosomes, a marker typically associated with male biology. The IBA stated that she had an advantage over other women and submitted its findings to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), recommending that she be barred from the Paris Olympics last year. However, Khelif was permitted to compete and went on to win gold in the women’s 66kg category.

The controversy reignited when Telegraph Sport released details of Khelif’s gender test, allegedly from the 2023 World Championships. According to American journalist Alan Abrahamson, Khelif’s test results, conducted by Dr. Lal PathLabs in New Delhi, showed a male cell karyotype, meaning a chromosomal profile consistent with the XY pattern.

The report, authenticated by the International Organization for Standardization and recognized by the American Academy of Pathology, concluded that Khelif is biologically male, Daily Mail reported.

The leaked results have sparked strong reactions from public figures.

J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, a vocal critic of transgender participation in women’s sports, wrote on social media: "It's a win for women because they won't be battered to death in the ring by men."

British broadcaster Piers Morgan also weighed in: "The biology-denying woke brigade abused and shamed me for saying it was outrageous and dangerous for Khelif to be beating up women at the Olympics. I’m ready for their apology, but won’t hold my breath."

Former British swimmer and Olympic silver medalist Sharron Davies added: "When did we stop believing in our eyes & gut! Oh yeah when we decided women’s sport didn’t matter..."

Conservative activist Riley Gaines also has similar views: "To all the people that insisted Imane Khelif was a woman because his passport said so. You were wrong. We were right. Sincerely, people with functioning eyes and a shred of honesty."

 

 

Calls grow for Algerian boxer Imane Khelif to be stripped of Olympic gold medal after gender test leak

Khelif thắng trận chung kết quyền Anh nữ hạng 66kg Olympic Paris 2026

Public opinion has largely turned against Khelif, with many calling for her gold medal to be revoked due to unfair competition.

In response to growing concerns, the International Boxing Federation recently announced a new "Sex, Age, and Weight" policy requiring all boxers over 18 to undergo gender verification through PCR testing. The federation has also confirmed that Khelif will not be eligible to compete in the women’s division at the Eindhoven Box Cup or in any World Boxing-sanctioned event until further testing is completed.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing is a genetic analysis technique that can identify the presence of the SRY gene, typically found on the Y chromosome and used to determine biological sex. The test may be conducted using a nasal or oral swab, saliva, or blood sample.