Algerian boxer and Paris Olympics gold medallist Imane Khelif has initiated legal action following a leaked medical report that questions her gender, despite the International Olympic Committee (IOC) previously supporting her eligibility. This recent leak in French media suggests that Khelif, 25, may be male—a claim she has strongly contested in court.

The IOC confirmed on Wednesday that Khelif is seeking legal recourse against individuals who commented on her gender during the 2024 Paris Olympics and is preparing further legal action concerning this latest report. “The IOC will not comment while legal action is ongoing, or on media reports about unverified documents whose origin cannot be confirmed,” the IOC stated.

The gender controversy first surfaced during the Paris Olympics after Khelif’s swift 46-second victory over Italian boxer Angela Carini, who withdrew from the fight due to a bloody nose. High-profile individuals, including author JK Rowling, questioned Khelif’s eligibility, leading to online harassment. In response, Khelif filed complaints regarding the abuse she endured. The IOC, however, emphasized her previous participation in the Tokyo Olympics and events sanctioned by the International Boxing Association as verification of her eligibility to compete in the women’s category.