Paris 2024 Olympic champion Imane Khelif has opened up about her biology in a revelation that addresses months of intense scrutiny following her gold medal performance in the women’s 145-pound (66kg) boxing division.
According to sources, the 26-year-old Algerian athlete confirmed she possesses the SRY gene, which is typically found on the Y chromosome, but emphasized that her biological characteristics are entirely natural and that she is not transgender.
“Yes, and it’s natural,” Khelif stated when asked about having the SRY gene.
The boxer also disclosed that she underwent hormone treatment to reduce her testosterone levels before competing in Paris. “I have female hormones. And people don’t know this, but I have taken hormone treatments to lower my testosterone levels for competitions,” she explained.
Khelif went further, revealing the extent of her preparation for the Olympic qualifying tournament. “For the Paris Games qualifying tournament, which took place in Dakar, I lowered my testosterone levels to zero.”
Her case became a focal point of international debate during the Paris Games, drawing commentary from prominent figures including former President Donald Trump and author J.K. Rowling. Khelif addressed the controversy with measured respect.
She stated: “I respect everyone, and I respect Trump. Because he is the President of the United States. But he cannot distort the truth.”
The boxer was unequivocal about her identity. “I am not a trans woman, I am a girl. I was raised as a girl, I grew up as a girl, the people in my village have always known me as a girl.”
Since her Olympic triumph, Khelif has not competed, having been prevented from participating in a tournament in the Netherlands after declining to complete a newly introduced chromosome test. She is currently seeking a French professional boxing license while maintaining her amateur status.
World Boxing, the IOC-recognized governing body, has implemented mandatory gender testing protocols. Khelif says she welcomes such scrutiny. “For the next Games, if I have to take a test, I will. I have no problem with that.”
She claims to have already submitted comprehensive medical documentation to World Boxing. “I’ve already taken this test. I contacted World Boxing, I sent them my medical records, my hormone tests, everything. But I haven’t had any response.”
The athlete stressed her transparency throughout the process. “I’m not hiding, I’m not refusing the tests.”
Khelif defended her participation in women’s boxing by highlighting natural human variation. “We all have different genetics, different hormone levels. I’m not transgender. My difference is natural. This is who I am.”
She expressed confidence in her natural biology. “I haven’t done anything to change the way nature made me. That’s why I’m not afraid.”
Despite pivoting toward professional boxing, Khelif maintains Olympic aspirations. When asked if the ongoing controversy might deter her from competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, she responded firmly. “Not at all. I want to become the first person in Algerian sport to successfully defend their Olympic title.”
