In a surprising development, Imane Khelif, the Olympic gold medallist and Algerian boxer, has found herself in the spotlight once more due to a leaked medical report. This follows her involvement in a gender controversy after winning a gold medal in Paris.
French journalist Djaffar Ait Aoudia revealed that the medical report indicated Khelif suffers from 5-alpha reductase deficiency, a condition typically associated with genetic males. This report was prepared in June 2023, involving a collaboration between the Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital in Paris and the Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in Algiers.
The report included results from an MRI that confirmed Khelif had no uterus, internal testicles, and a condition described as a “micropenis,” which resembles an enlarged clitoris. Following the MRI, she underwent a chromosomal test that confirmed an XY karyotype, typical of males. Additionally, a hormone test indicated that Khelif had testosterone levels that align with male physiology. Doctors suggested that Khelif’s parents may have been related by blood and recommended her for “surgical correction and hormone therapy,” as well as psychological support.
5-alpha reductase deficiency is a condition that affects sexual development in individuals born genetically male. Those with this disorder may be assigned female at birth due to ambiguous genitalia. Early signs include increased muscle mass, hair growth, and a lack of breast tissue as individuals begin to masculinize during puberty.
The implications of this medical finding could spark renewed debate over Khelif’s gold medal victory in Paris, raising questions about “unfair advantages.” Although Khelif is listed as female on her passport, which meets the International Olympic Committee (IOC) eligibility criteria, the situation is complex.
Khelif has a contentious history with the International Boxing Association (IBA), having reached the finals of the 2023 World Championships before being disqualified due to elevated testosterone levels. She previously described the circumstances of her disqualification as “a big conspiracy.”
The IOC has previously stated that there is no scientific or political consensus on gender and fairness in sports. In 2021, they issued updated guidance for sports governing bodies, acknowledging the complexities surrounding these issues. The ongoing scrutiny of Khelif’s case highlights the challenges and controversies that persist in discussions of gender and competitive fairness in athletics.
