PARIS — The only question left to settle in the week-long drama surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is whether she will bring home a gold or silver medal Friday night.
Everyone else involved has already had their say. Now, we can take a look at where everyone stands.
First, the Algerian people. They’re fully behind Khelif. They came out in droves for her semifinal bout on Tuesday night. The crowd was electric when she stepped into the ring against Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng. Their cheers filled the air, and the green-and-white flags waved vigorously when Khelif delivered a decisive right-handed punch in the third round, sealing her victory.
Then, there’s the International Boxing Association (IBA). After creating a storm by accusing Khelif of failing a “sex test” during the 2023 world championships, their chaotic news conference on Monday only served to portray their leadership — particularly Russian leader Umar Kremlev — as incompetent, vindictive, and corrupt. Whatever credibility the IBA once had in amateur boxing has now dwindled further.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has steadfastly dismissed the IBA’s allegations, making it clear that Khelif is eligible to compete under IOC rules. Any testing by the IBA is irrelevant. Backtracking now would set a dangerous precedent where women could be unfairly scrutinized based on their appearance.
And then there’s the online rage mob. Initial reactions when Khelif landed a fierce punch in her first-round fight led some to cry foul, believing it to be a case of a man posing as a woman. Yet, as more evidence of Khelif’s background emerged, it became clear she was born female. These critics shifted their focus to chromosomes and hormones. But soon, they’ll move on to another target, forgetting Khelif entirely.
As for Khelif herself, despite the emotional strain of recent days, she seems to have moved past the controversy. There were no tears this time. She celebrated Tuesday’s victory with smiles and fist pumps, even taking a moment to answer a few questions in Arabic for reporters. According to translations, she expressed her indifference to the controversy. Win or lose, she will return home as one of the most celebrated athletes in the Arab world.
“I am very happy,” Khelif said through an official transcript. “I’ve worked for eight years for these Olympics, and I am very proud of this moment. I would like to thank the support from people back home.”
And that’s where this story will end.
Looking forward to the 2028 Olympics, boxing might either be cut or overseen by a new federation such as World Boxing. Those launching politically-motivated attacks on Khelif today may forget, but discussions on rules concerning women with differences in sex development (DSDs) and testosterone thresholds will likely continue.
To be clear, we don’t know if Khelif or any other boxer in this tournament has a DSD. Assuming so based on appearances or fighting style is unfair. A recently circulating video of Khelif’s intense training sessions led some to incorrectly assert it as “proof” she is a man. But, it simply proves she’s a dedicated boxer.
She trains like a boxer. She looks like a boxer. She participates in a sport where physical combat is the norm. Comparing her fights to others reveals no significant differences. Until recently, Khelif was just an improving athlete who faced many defeats before tasting victory. The controversy only began last year when the IBA disqualified her from the world championships.
During Monday’s awkward news conference, the IBA failed to provide clear answers about their testing procedures. At one point, Kremlev ranted in Russian, bizarrely claiming Khelif had male testosterone levels, despite the IBA’s earlier statement that she was tested using a “separate and recognized test.”
The IBA also revealed that they initially tested Khelif in 2022 after complaints from other coaches and boxers, but the results were inconclusive. Why then did they wait 10 months to test her again? Why allow her to compete in the next championship only to disqualify her after she defeated an unbeaten Russian boxer, Azalia Amineva? The lack of credible answers casts further doubt on the IBA’s actions.
Many have questioned why the IOC hasn’t re-tested Khelif. The reason is straightforward: the IOC must maintain order. Changing qualifying procedures mid-cycle or based on unverified claims would lead to chaos and unfair challenges against athletes. The IOC has a responsibility to uphold its processes and protect athletes like Khelif from unfounded scrutiny.
In essence, Khelif’s saga is concluding. Some questions remain unanswered, and some will always believe she’s a man. However, come Friday, Khelif might emerge from Paris as a gold medalist and a celebrated figure, free from further questions about this episode.
