Imane Khelif: What's behind the gender controversy? - BBC Africa

A boxing result at the Paris 2024 Olympic games has gone way beyond the ring. The victory of Algeria's Imane Khelif against Italian opponent Angela Carini in a 46-secound bout has sparked a row about gender and sports, as the Algerian fighter had been ruled out previously of tournaments for failing in gender tests.

[BBCAfrica]

The BBC has published a series of articles on Imane Khelif's campaign in the Olympics which led to her unprecedented gold medal in women's boxing - a first for Algeria and for Africa.
Here's the latest on her victory:

The gender row became one of the most explosive topis at #Paris2024. But what does the science tell us? The BBC spoke to experts who shed a light on our different chromosomal make-ups – and what advantages they may bring to sport.

In 2023, Khelif had failed unspecified gender elegibility tests conducted by the International Boxing Association (IBA). The association had been been stripped of its status as the sport's amateur world governing body. It also ran a chaotic press conference set to explain the reasons for having disqualified Khelif and Taiwanse boxer Lin Yu-ting. But the media event left more questions than answers:

[bonafide]

I was expecting the comments section to be disabled.

[sanyang]

My summary from the internet is that she has female parts, but was tested to have XY chromosomes by the IBO. Really complex issue. However, a key takeaway is that she has been competing for years as a Woman and has lost around 9 times to female athletes. Doesn't sound like much of advantage imo.

[bregueiroton]

Wow! Her bones and muscles seem way more well structured than all her opponents’.
It’s gotta be the training and preparation. Sure thing!

[sdlka]

The ignorance surrounding this subject is so sad and I feel sorry for this woman. As a doctor, biological sex is not simply defined by your chromosomes. It seems Khelif is an 'XY Female', which means she has female reproductive organs but no or non-functioning ovaries, so she did not go through puberty. She does not have male body mass or composition, nor does she have secondary female characteristics like breasts and a menstrual cycle. This is called Swyer Syndrome. Or if she has circulating testosterone levels, she may have Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome. Either way she is a woman. Anyone saying otherwise (like the corrupt IBA) is either just being political or ignorant of the biology.

[josephbacon]

Releasing medical proof would clear up this situation instantly. Women’s boxing is in its infancy this is terrible PR.

[tracybannerman]

Society raised a woman, biology raised a man. Which one are we picking

[BullyBoxer]

IBA aren’t one for releasing lies about their competitors.
Khelif qualified for the gold medal match at the tournament, held by the International Boxing Association (IBA) but was excluded when organisers had found she possessed the male XY chromosome and elevated testosterone levels following a DNA test.
SHe had the DNA test, it’s public record, it has the XY chromosome .
It’s super rare , but at the end of the day anyone with the XY chromosome and the benefit that comes with that shouldn’t be competing against biological woman, especially when it comes to boxing. 

[chrisdavidson]

Now I’m hearing she was born female and isn’t actually transgender. A lot of apologies should go to her for allowing this information to spread so far and wide. I feel this has been allowed to spread without clarity however. In an effort for those who were wrong to have egg on their face, doesn’t actually deviate from the actual transgender issue. It’s just shame if this girl has been caught up in it unjustifiably

[supersmart]

So open minded that their brains are falling out

[にににお]

If the skeleton remains male because he didn't receive treatment at the proper age...
I don't think it's fair ... . And the fact that he is also getting money for getting the gold medal makes it highly illegal.

[attulgandotra]

She was literally fighting a dude. How are we even remotely discussing why there's a controversy 😅

[CBrown]

She was born intersex and raised as a female, but went thru MALE puberty.

[sjic]

If she have more testo then a normal woman she canot fight whith normal woman and there are quimic to low the testo, nobody talk about this

[Ireshandle]

Sweet win! 🥇🥇🥇 Congratulations Imane! 🎉

[az]

He hit a woman in front of Wold's eyes and got a gold medal 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[berserkirclaws]

I don't understand the controversy 🤷‍♂️
I'm a trans-slender and I identify as an kung fu master.
Now days you can be who ever you dream to be and even change daily.
I may be identify as an astronaut tomorrow 🧑‍🚀

[sympa_is_misanthropic]

All these crybabies in the comments continuing to spread false information despite knowing the truth. May God heal you 🤦🏾‍♂️

No controversy at all..she was fighting against a Man..this "dude" must compete against man..i hope this italian girl sue the IOC to allow this nonsense...😐👎👎👎

[charleyprole]

I'm genuinely confused. Is it a dude or not? Cos people literally cannot agree... How have we fallen this far that we don't fucking know 😂.