Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, gold medalist at the Paris Olympic Games and target of attacks based on her gender, is preparing legal action following the publication in recent days of articles claiming to reveal the contents of her medical report, the IOC confirmed. (International Olympic Committee) this Wednesday (6).
“We understand that Imane Khelif is going to court against people who commented on her situation during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and is preparing action in response to the latest press articles,” the IOC wrote in a statement.
The website Le Correspondant recently reignited the controversy by stating in an article published at the end of October that Khelif has male XY chromosomes. The portal says it was based on an unauthenticated report from the Kremlin-Bicetre hospital, in the Paris region, and the Mohamed Lamine Debaghine hospital, in Algiers.
The controversy over Khelif originates from her exclusion from the boxing World Cup in March 2023. According to the IBA (International Boxing Association), the Tunisian did not pass a test designed to establish her gender.
The IBA, not recognized by the IOC, refused to explain what testing was carried out to make its decision. The IOC, in turn, considered that Khelif was capable of participating in the women’s tournament at the Paris Games, and she was champion of the 66 kg category.
“I’m a strong woman, with special powers. In the ring, I sent a message to those who were against me,” said Khelif after winning Olympic gold.
In the past, she has participated in women’s boxing competitions, including the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, without generating controversy.
In August, French justice opened an investigation after Khelif filed a complaint about attacks he suffered on the internet.
