Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif WINS GOLD In Paris Olympic Amid Social Media Storm Of Controversy

It’s official – Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has won gold in the Paris Olympics. Khelif has been so dominant throughout this Olympic cycle, but not always for the best reasons.

Khelif taking part in the women’s division has been surrounded by controversy, having previously failed gender eligibility test twice, first in 2019 and again two years later again. Her initial eligibility had been on the basis of her passport stating she was a female, which is why despite failing these tests the International Olympic Committee (IOC) let her compete.

Mark Adams, spokesman for the IOC explained at a press conference: “As with previous Olympic boxing competitions, gender and age of the athletes are based on their passport.”

Adams also said testosterone levels are not decisive for the IOC. “Many women can have testosterone which will be called ‘male levels’ and still be women and still compete as women,” he said. “This idea that you do one test for testosterone and that sorts everything out? Not the case, I’m afraid.”

The International Boxing Association (IBA), which is separated from the IOC, abutted Khelif’s early eligibility. IBA CEO Chris Roberts told the United States’ WXYZ channel that Khelif and another were also required to undergo gender testing following complaints from fighters, coaches and even medical staff about safety.

“Both boxers were asked to take a further blood test,” Chris Roberts, the IBA CEO, said at a press conference in Paris on Monday. “That happened the 23rd of March, the results came through and it demonstrated the chromosomes we refer to in competition rules that make both boxers ineligible.”

And Roberts then said Khelif failed a chromosome test and had the right to challenge that independently at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Khelif appealed at first, but later withdrew.

IBA President Umar Kremlev condemned the IOC for permitting Khelif to take part.

The IOC, however, has stood by its decision and labeled the IBA as being “not credible”, in response to those complaining about fairness and safety.