The gender identity of boxer Imane Khelif is becoming a hot topic after she defeated her opponent in just 46 seconds. Is it true that this athlete is a transgender woman, as some rumors suggest?

Transgender Boxer’s Powerful Punch: Opponent Cries and Withdraws After 46 Seconds

In a Round of 16 match in the women’s 66kg boxing category at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif easily defeated her opponent Angela Carini from Italy in just 46 seconds. Khelif landed two powerful punches, causing Carini to withdraw from the match.

Following the bout, numerous rumors began circulating that Imane Khelif might be a transgender athlete, as there were several biological signs suggesting a male phenotype. Last year, Khelif had been disqualified from the Women’s World Boxing Championship in New Delhi, India, for failing a DNA test. The organizers discovered XY chromosomes in her genetic makeup.

Nevertheless, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to allow Imane Khelif and Lin Yu Ting from Taiwan to compete in the 2024 Olympics. This decision has sparked considerable controversy, as both athletes have elevated testosterone levels that exceed the standard for female athletes, giving them a potential advantage in strength and physicality.

IOC spokesperson Mark Adams stated: “In their passports, they are still listed as female. They are officially recognized as women. Testosterone testing is not a perfect measure. Many women can have testosterone levels that are considered high for women but do not disqualify them from competing as women.”

There are cases where women may have XY chromosomes due to genetic disorders, leading to differences in sexual development (DSD). These athletes might be born female but develop male genitalia over time, with testosterone levels significantly higher than those typically found in women.

One notable example is Indonesian volleyball player Aprilia Manganang. She competed in women’s volleyball for years before it was later discovered, upon joining the military, that she had more male characteristics.

Another case is Caster Semenya, the 800m gold medalist from the 2016 Olympics. She was barred from competing in the 2020 Olympics due to unusually high levels of male hormones.

Sebastian Coe, President of the International Association of Athletics Federations, remarked: “Clear regulations are needed, no matter how challenging the issue may be. Without them, you face significant challenges.”

Thus, the debate surrounding athletes with DSD continues to be contentious. Different organizations and governing bodies have varying regulations on this issue, which is why Imane Khelif was barred from the World Boxing Championship but still permitted to compete in the Olympics.