The Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, gold medalist in the 66-kilo category at the Paris Olympics, has stated that she has undergone hormonal treatments to reduce her testosterone levels and that she is willing to take the necessary tests to compete in the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Khelif, 26, who resides and trains in Paris, emphasized that he is not “afraid” to undergo medical tests. In addition, he revealed that he has already contacted World Boxing (WB), the entity that requires preliminary sex verification tests to participate in its competitions. However, he has not yet received a response. The athlete has insisted that she is not “hiding anything” nor does she refuse to take the tests. She explains that she possesses the SRY gene, an indicator of masculinity, “naturally”. Khelif revealed that she has already reduced her testosterone levels to compete, reaching zero for the qualifying tournament for the Paris Games, where she won the gold medal. This hormonal treatment, which emotionally “destabilizes” her, does not significantly affect her performance in boxing, since, according to her, “boxing is never about strength or power. Boxing is mental. It’s about tactics, technique, movement. Intelligence”. Her victory at the Paris Games generated controversy, with figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk insinuating that she is a transgender athlete. Khelif expressed that this situation had a great impact on her life and that she avoids social media due to the attacks received.We all have different genetics, different hormone levels. I am not transgender. My difference is natural. I am who I am. I have done nothing to change the way nature made me.
Imane Khelif
Khelif plans to compete in the Los Angeles 2028 Games, but is awaiting the decision of the IOC, which has formed a commission to address issues of “gender equality, diversity and inclusion”.What happened to me was too much for me. What hurt me the most was that I have a family (…) This controversy had a great impact on my life. I don’t look at social media; I realized that it was a space where people could attack you without knowing you and that is dangerous.
Imane Khelif
Recently, the French Boxing Federation granted him a professional license, but Khelif has made it clear that this does not mean he will give up his participation in the 2028 Games. His goal is to represent Algeria in Los Angeles and become the first Algerian athlete to defend his Olympic title.I respect everyone, and I respect Trump. Because he is the President of the United States. But he cannot distort the truth. I am not trans, I am a girl. I was raised as a girl, I grew up as a girl, the people in my town have always known me as a girl. I respect him if he respects the truth.
Imane Khelif
