Imane Khelif takes legal action following gender-related media reports
by By AFPAlgerian boxer Imane Khelif, an Olympic gold winner, is pursuing legal action over media reports about purportedly leaked medical records, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed on Wednesday.
French reports this week claimed that Khelif, 25, has XY, or male, chromosomes.
The gender debate intensified after Khelif’s 46-second victory over Angela Carini at the Paris Games in August, a bout that saw Carini withdraw in distress after sustaining a severe nose injury. This sparked a public row, with figures such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and author JK Rowling weighing in.
The IOC acknowledged, "We understand that Imane Khelif has taken legal action against individuals who commented on her situation during the Olympic Games Paris 2024, and is also preparing a lawsuit in response to the latest reporting." They also stated that they will not comment further amid ongoing legal proceedings.
Having competed in the women’s category at the Tokyo Olympics, IBA world championships, and other IBA tournaments, Khelif has received the IOC’s support, which expressed it was "saddened by the abuse that Imane Khelif is currently receiving."
Khelif, celebrated as a national hero in Algeria after her Olympic victory, has additionally filed an online harassment complaint in France.