Medical report reveals Imane Khelif has male biological characteristics
Medical report on Algerian boxer Imane Khelif reveals a genetic condition with male characteristics
Imane Khelif, the outstanding Algerian boxer who dazzled at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by defeating Italian Angela Carini in just 47 seconds, faces a medical revelation that has shaken the sports world. A report, released by French journalist Djaffar Ait Aoudia, details that Khelif has a rare genetic condition: 5-alpha reductase deficiency.
This genetic condition involves male biological characteristics and occurs exclusively in individuals with XY karyotype. According to the report prepared in June 2023 by the Kremlin-Bicêtre hospital in Paris and the Mohamed Lamine Debaghine hospital in Algiers, Khelif has an XY karyotype and internal testes, as well as testosterone levels typical of a man.
The analysis also highlights the absence of a uterus and ambiguous genitals from birth, which could have led to an erroneous gender assignment in childhood.
The study suggests that this genetic condition becomes evident during puberty, when people develop more masculine physical characteristics, such as greater musculature and body hair, and do not have menstruation or breast development. In Khelif's case, these characteristics could have influenced her appearance and athletic performance, which had already attracted the attention of specialists and spectators.
The medical report, now public, also mentions the possibility of consanguinity in Khelif's parents as a factor that could have contributed to the development of the disorder. Among the recommendations, it is suggested that the boxer receives hormone therapy and surgery to align her body with her perceived gender identity, as well as psychological support, given the emotional impact of this diagnosis.
It should be recalled that in March 2023, Khelif was excluded from women's boxing competitions by the International Boxing Association (IBA), which had already raised questions about her situation. Her coach, Georges Cazorla, confirmed that the athlete underwent medical evaluations at the Kremlin-Bicêtre hospital, which ultimately led to the revelations that have now come to light.