Imane Khelif's rapid victory over Angela Carini at Paris 2024 has sparked controversy due to her past issues with gender eligibility tests. Despite her disqualification from previous competitions for elevated testosterone levels, the IOC maintains her compliance with regulations. J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk have also commented on the debate.
Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer, recently made headlines at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a decisive first-round victory over Italy’s Angela Carini. The fight ended abruptly after Khelif landed a powerful right hook, leading Carini to quit the bout just 46 seconds in, citing an inability to continue due to the severity of the punch. The swift conclusion sparked immediate debate, largely due to Khelif's controversial past regarding gender eligibility.
Khelif, born May 2, 1999, has been a prominent figure in boxing since 2018. She garnered significant attention with wins at the 2022 African and Mediterranean Championships and reached the final of the World Championships in Istanbul, where she earned silver. However, her career has been marred by controversy. In March 2023, she was disqualified from the World Championships shortly before her final match due to high levels of testosterone, which led to claims that she carried male chromosomes. This disqualification was attributed to "medical reasons" and drew criticism from the International Boxing Association (IBA).
Following the disqualification, the Algerian Olympic Committee vehemently defended Khelif, labeling the allegations as baseless propaganda. They accused foreign media of unjustly targeting Khelif and undermining her Olympic aspirations. The Committee's response highlighted their support for her and emphasized that she had been subjected to unfair scrutiny.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), which now oversees Olympic boxing after the IBA’s suspension, has defended the eligibility of athletes like Khelif. According to IOC spokesperson Mark Adams, all competitors meet the necessary eligibility criteria based on their passports and historical competition records. Despite this, Khelif’s participation remains a contentious issue.
The IOC’s stance is that all athletes competing under their jurisdiction adhere to the rules set forth for the Paris 2024 Games. They have reiterated that these regulations are based on consistent and long-standing criteria, aiming to ensure fairness while protecting athletes' rights. As Khelif progresses to the quarterfinals, her path remains under scrutiny, reflecting broader discussions about gender identity and fairness in sports.
