Imane Khalif, Gold Medalist in Women’s Boxing at Paris Olympics, Identified as Male: Reports

During the Paris Olympics, questions about the eligibility of Imane Khalif in the women’s category arose. Reports indicate that her opponent from Italy abandoned their match mid-way. Khalif, an Algerian boxer who won the gold medal in the women’s boxing competition, has been reported to be biologically male. French journalist Jafar Ait Aoudia made public a medical report claiming that Khalif was born with “testes” and a “micro penis.” This report surfaced a few months after Khalif’s gold medal win at the Paris Olympics in July-August.

According to Ait Aoudia’s report published in French media outlet Le Correspondent, the medical report states that “the uterus is absent” and “testes were found in the abdomen.” It also noted the presence of “a blind vagina” and indicated “clitoral hypertrophy,” which suggests the presence of a micro penis.

This report was prepared jointly by the Kremlin-Bicetre Hospital in Paris and the Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in Algiers, Algeria. It was also revealed that Imane Khalif is affected by 5-alpha reductase deficiency, a condition that predominantly impacts males and affects the normal development of sexual organs at birth. As a result of this deficiency, genitalia can develop abnormally, leading to male infants being classified as female.

The medical report further indicated that Khalif was born to parents who were possibly blood relatives. Throughout the boxing competition at the Paris Olympics, Khalif underwent several examinations regarding her biological sex and gender identity. Many have even claimed that she is transgender. In 2023, Khalif was reportedly declared ineligible for the World Boxing Championship after failing eligibility criteria.

This debate gained traction when her opponent, Italy’s Angela Carini, withdrew from their match in the final 16 round, stating that “she had never felt such a punch.” After Carini’s withdrawal, Khalif was awarded the gold medal.