Stop the Bullying: Imane Khelif’s Achievements as a Woman Boxer Emphasize the Need for Fact-Checking

Stop the Bullying: Imane Khelif’s Achievements as a Woman Boxer Emphasize the Need for Fact-Checking

In recent times, the advocacy for women’s rights has often been marred by misleading narratives that fail to support the very individuals they claim to champion. This issue was brought into sharp focus during the recent women’s boxing match at the 2024 Paris Olympics between Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Italy’s Angela Carini.  

Khelif, an Algerian boxer, found herself in the headlines after her contentious bout with Carini in the round of 16. The match ended abruptly when Carini abandoned the fight just 46 seconds in, citing the severity of the blows she received from Khelif. This incident sparked a flurry of unfounded claims suggesting that Khelif, due to her physical strength and features, might be a transgender woman or even biologically male. However, these assertions couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Imane Khelif Is a Woman

In reality, Khelif is a biological woman who, like many others worldwide, possesses higher levels of testosterone and some XY chromosomes due to a condition known as Differences in Sex Development (DSD). DSD encompasses a range of rare conditions involving genes, hormones, and reproductive organs. However, women without DSD can also have higher levels of testosterone as this is completely normal. Importantly, Khelif has never identified as male or transgender, nor does she possess an unfair advantage over her competitors, as evidenced by her previous defeats in the ring. 

The controversy surrounding Khelif is not new. She was disqualified from the women’s World Championships in New Delhi last year after failing to meet the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) eligibility criteria, which prohibit athletes with XY chromosomes from competing in women’s events. However, the specifics of why these tests failed were not disclosed, and it was noted that neither Khelif nor Taiwan’s double-world champion Lin Yu-Ting, who also failed the criteria, had testosterone examinations. Both athletes have consistently competed in women’s categories and do not identify as transgender or intersex. 

In Algeria, where being transgender or part of the LGBTQ+ community is illegal, it would be impossible for her to compete if she were not eligible. Khelif has always competed in women’s categories and has never identified as male or transgender. Mislabeling her not only undermines her achievements but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes that jeopardize the safety and acceptance of athletes with DSDs. 

The 2023 World Championships were organized by the IBA, which the International Olympic Committee (IOC) no longer recognizes. Consequently, the boxing events at the 2024 Olympics are being managed by the Paris Boxing Unit (PBU), an ad-hoc unit established by the IOC’s Executive Board. According to The Independent, this transition has allowed Khelif to compete in the Olympic Games despite her previous disqualification. 

Language Matters

It is crucial to use accurate language and narratives to foster safe and inclusive environments for all athletes. Khelif’s case highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the diverse biological realities of female athletes, ensuring they are judged fairly and without prejudice.  

As we continue to support women’s rights, we must remain vigilant against the spread of untrue narratives that can undermine the very principles of equality and fairness people strive to uphold. 

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