Imane Khelif breaks silence on leaked medical report

Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif has finally spoken out—though indirectly—after a leaked medical report claimed the Algerian boxer is biologically male. The report, allegedly from 2023, suggested Khelif has male chromosomes, sparking global controversy just days after World Boxing announced stricter s*x testing rules.

Khelif, 25, who made history by winning gold for Algeria in women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics, ignored the medical leak in her latest social media post. Instead, she posted a message of gratitude on Instagram for UNICEF’s Global Day of Parents, calling mothers and fathers “everyday heroes”.

“Today, I became a champion, but it all started long ago,” she wrote. “When my parents believed in me, even when the dream felt too big.”

In the photo, Khelif wore a UNICEF shirt and smiled as she formed a heart with her hands. The message made no mention of the chromosome report or the s*x screening rules that could affect her boxing future.

Leaked Medical Report Adds Fuel to Controversy

According to a 2023 report seen by 3 Wire Sports and published by Telegraph Sport, Khelif’s chromosome test read:
“Chromosome analysis reveals male karyotype.”

The document is believed to come from Dr Lal PathLabs, a respected lab in New Delhi. However, questions remain about the authenticity of the report. The Algerian Olympic Committee has dismissed the claim as a “smear campaign” against an athlete who brought “honor to our nation.”

This isn’t the first time Khelif has been caught in gender eligibility drama. In 2023, she and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting were disqualified from the IBA World Championships due to alleged failed gender tests.

Despite this, both athletes later returned and won gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics in their respective divisions.

New Testing Rules Introduced

In response to the controversy, World Boxing—the sport’s new governing body—announced mandatory s*x testing for all future events. A new “S*x, Age, and Weight” policy will now require PCR tests to determine the presence of a Y chromosome, which typically indicates male biological s*x.

“All boxers over 18 must undergo testing,” World Boxing said. “We aim to ensure a fair and safe environment for competition.”

The PCR method includes saliva, blood, or swab samples and checks for the SRY gene found on the Y chromosome.

Conflicting Reports and Denials

A second report from German outlet Bild in November 2024 also labeled Khelif as biologically male. That document reportedly involved French and Algerian endocrinologists from hospitals in Paris and Algiers.

However, one of the doctors mentioned in the report—Jacques Young—denied involvement. He told German outlet DW that his name was being misused and suggested that the leak might be part of a broader anti-trans agenda.

“I think your statement perfectly reflects reality,” Young replied when asked if he was being used to spread false information.

Khelif has never publicly admitted to any of the claims. She has repeatedly denied not being a woman and has expressed plans to compete again in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.