Olympic Champion Imane Khelif takes legal action over gender claims and online abuse

Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif, who claimed gold in the women’s 66kg division at the 2024 Paris Games, has taken legal action after media reports allegedly revealed her medical records and sparked online abuse.

Reports in France this week claimed that Khelif, 25, has XY chromosomes, igniting a heated debate on gender eligibility. This controversy follows her previous disqualification from the 2023 world championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) on similar grounds.

Khelif has filed complaints with French authorities over the harassment she received during the Games. She is also reportedly preparing a lawsuit against those involved in leaking her medical details.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressed support, stating all athletes at Paris 2024 met eligibility standards based on passport verification and medical regulations. The IOC emphasized its commitment to protecting athletes' rights, as outlined in the Olympic Charter.

Responding to the backlash, Khelif affirmed her eligibility, stating, “I am a woman. I was born a woman, I’ve lived as a woman, and I’ve competed as a woman.” Khelif’s win continues to draw both celebration and criticism, adding complexity to the ongoing conversation around gender in sports.