Imane Khelif: Is it accurate to label this female-born boxer as ‘biological male’ or ‘transgender’?

• Imane Khelif is not “biological male” or “transgender”. She was assigned female at birth, based on the observed external genitalia.
• She appears to have a condition known as differences of sex development (DSD), previously termed as “intersex”.
• Labelling individuals with DSD as a “biological male/female” can be misleading and problematic, as it oversimplifies their identity.

A storm is brewing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the spotlight now firmly on Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.

The controversy ignited after Khelif's opening bout on Thursday, which ended dramatically when her opponent—Italy's Angela Carini—withdrew just 46 seconds into the clash after suffering a nose injury. This outcome has kickstarted a fierce debate over gender eligibility in sports around the world.

The fallout on social media has been swift and intense, with critics slamming the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to let Khelif compete. Many argue that this situation compromises the fairness of women's sports, fueling widespread outrage.

Meanwhile, many social media users, including several prominent public figures, labelled Khelif as “biological male”, "a male or man" or “transgender”.




However, this characterisation appears oversimplified and scientifically inaccurate, and it does not fully capture the complexity of the situation.

Meet Imane Khelif: Born female, living with DSD

Scientifically speaking, classifying Khelif as 'male' or 'transgender' would not be accurate. In fact, contrary to most claims on the internet, her family claims that her assigned gender was 'female' at birth, as per the official birth certificate that Imane's father, Omar, produced during a French TV interview on BFMTV. This classification hinges on the external genitalia observed at birth, which is the most common practice for identifying biological sex worldwide. However, in rare cases, genitalia-based identification during birth can be an inaccurate way to categorise sex, even in medical terms.

Khelif’s biological profile presents a nuanced situation. Born female and identifying as a woman, she appears to have a condition known as differences of sex development (DSD), as per experts cited by The Independent. This inference is based on her XY chromosomal composition, elevated testosterone levels and certain physical features, all of which are traits typically associated with males. Such discrepancies can stem from various genetic conditions, including DSD. With that said, it is important to note that Imane has not publicly confirmed having a DSD.

DSD can cause a discrepancy between an individual’s chromosomes and their physical characteristics, sometimes resulting in ambiguous genitalia or other variations in sexual development. While the term “intersex” was once used for such conditions, “differences of sex development” is now preferred to avoid the negative connotations of “disorder”.

Given the complexities, labelling someone with DSD as a “biological male” or “biological female” can be misleading and problematic. It oversimplifies their identity and can perpetuate stigma, as evident in the current global discourse.

The right to compete without discrimination

The fact that further complicates the narrative around Imane Khelif’s participation in women’s boxing is that she is legally and socially recognised as female. For the social recognition aspect, it is important to consider that she comes from a society where views on transgender and intersex issues are shaped by conservative cultural norms and legal frameworks.

Instead, Khelif has received strong support in her home country. The Algerian Olympic Committee has defended her participation, condemning the “malicious attacks” and underscoring her right to compete without discrimination.

In the midst of mounting controversy, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reiterated Imane Khelif’s eligibility to compete in the women’s boxing category at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The IOC has confirmed that Khelif meets all competition and medical regulations, asserting that “every person has the right to practise sport without discrimination”.

The Dutee Chand parallel and complexities of sporting regulations

The uproar surrounding Khelif echoes the 2014 saga of India’s very own sprinter, Dutee Chand, whose story was notably depicted in the 2021 movie Rashmi Rocket, starring Taapsee Pannu.
Chand faced disqualification from the Commonwealth Games after elevated testosterone levels led to her exclusion under the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) regulations on hyperandrogenism. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) barred her from competition, citing these regulations.

Her elevated testosterone levels were, in fact, due to a medical condition known as hyperandrogenism, which is characterised by naturally high levels of androgens (including testosterone) in the body. As per studies, this condition is known to affect approximately seven out of every 1,000 elite female track athletes.

Chand’s challenge to this decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) resulted in a landmark ruling in 2015, which temporarily suspended the IAAF’s hyperandrogenism regulations. This allowed her to return to competitive athletics, spotlighting the ongoing issues faced by athletes with intersex conditions.

Now, Khelif’s situation has reopened broader discussions on gender identity, biological sex and fairness in sports, with political motives also influencing the narrative. Amid this controversy, two points stand out. First, there’s a pressing need for a broader understanding of differences in sex development to foster scientifically informed perspectives. Second, the criteria for intersex athletes—especially in sports where biological differences are pronounced—require a more nuanced and thoughtful approach.

Correction: August 12, 2024 — The text in paragraph four, six and seven has been edited to accurately reflect the claims around the athlete's assigned sex at birth.

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