Amid the ongoing debate over boxer Imane Khelif’s gender, Algerians have circulated childhood photos on social media to confirm that she is indeed female.
Despite being cleared by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Khelif’s gender has been a point of contention. The 25-year-old boxer, who had previously failed a gender eligibility test, defeated Angela Carini in just 46 seconds on Thursday.
Carini, who took several heavy punches early in the first round, succumbed to the fight and kneeled in tears. Frustrated, she threw her helmet to the ground, refused to shake Khelif’s hand, and expressed her discontent by yelling, “This is unjust.”
Khelif had faced disqualification from the World Championships due to failed gender eligibility tests and subsequent DNA analysis. However, with the International Boxing Association’s disqualification no longer recognized by the IOC, Khelif was allowed to compete in this year’s Olympics.
Having also faced disqualification in the past for elevated testosterone levels, Khelif secured her place in the quarter-finals of the women’s 66kg category after Carini’s withdrawal.
In response to ongoing skepticism, including claims that Khelif is “transgender” or “genetically male,” many Algerians have taken to social media to share her childhood photos in an effort to affirm her gender. The IOC has maintained its decision to allow Khelif to compete.
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