Boxer Imane Khelif Admits to Having Male Genetic Makeup

Women's sports activists raise concerns over Khelif's participation in women's boxing events.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Algerian Olympic gold medalist boxer Imane Khelif has admitted to having the SRY gene, which is found in biological males, and undergoing hormone treatments to lower testosterone levels ahead of the 2024 Olympics. Khelif has denied being transgender, stating that the difference is natural and that they have not done anything to change their biology. However, this revelation has sparked concerns from women's sports activists, who argue that Khelif should not be eligible to compete in the women's category.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around the participation of athletes with intersex or transgender identities in women's sports. It raises questions about fairness, inclusion, and the need for clear policies to ensure a level playing field for all competitors.

The details

Khelif won a gold medal in women's boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but their participation was met with heavy scrutiny from the International Boxing Association (IBA). The IBA had previously disqualified Khelif for failing a gender eligibility test, claiming that unpublished DNA test results showed Khelif had XY chromosomes. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) defended Khelif's participation, stating that they were the victims of a 'sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA'. However, the new policy announced by World Boxing, the international governing body for the sport, introduces mandatory sex testing to ensure only females compete in the women's category. Khelif has appealed this new policy, which will keep them out of any competitions pending the results of genetic testing.

  • Khelif won a gold medal in women's boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
  • In August 2026, World Boxing announced a new policy that introduces mandatory sex testing to ensure only females compete in the women's category.
  • Khelif has appealed the new World Boxing policy and is currently awaiting the results of genetic testing.

The players

Imane Khelif

An Algerian Olympic gold medalist boxer who has admitted to having the SRY gene, which is found in biological males, and undergoing hormone treatments to lower testosterone levels.

International Boxing Association (IBA)

The international governing body for the sport of boxing, which previously disqualified Khelif for failing a gender eligibility test.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

The governing body of the Olympic Games, which defended Khelif's participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics despite the IBA's concerns.

World Boxing

The international governing body for the sport of boxing, which has announced a new policy that introduces mandatory sex testing to ensure only females compete in the women's category.

Independent Council on Women's Sports (ICONS)

A women's sports activist group that has released a statement addressing Khelif's admission.

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What they’re saying

“Algerian Olympic women's gold medalist Imane Khelif has now confirmed he is male. With men no longer eligible for Olympic women's boxing under World Boxing rules, Khelif reportedly plans to box professionally in Europe, though he inexplicably says he will still undergo sex screening for the LA 2028 Games in hopes of competing.”

— Independent Council on Women's Sports (ICONS) (1010wcsi.com)

“I have taken hormone treatments to lower my testosterone levels for competitions.”

— Imane Khelif, Boxer (1010wcsi.com)

“For the next Games, if I have to take a test, I will. I have no problem with that.”

— Imane Khelif, Boxer (1010wcsi.com)

What’s next

Khelif has appealed the new World Boxing policy that will keep them out of any competitions pending the results of genetic testing. The outcome of this appeal will determine Khelif's eligibility to compete in future women's boxing events, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and sensitive issues surrounding the participation of athletes with intersex or transgender identities in women's sports. It underscores the need for clear and fair policies that balance inclusion, fairness, and the integrity of women's competitions.