Imane Khelif Confirms Hormone Therapy to Lower Testosterone - “I Am Not Transgender”
Imane Khelif discloses hormone treatments to lower testosterone for the Paris Olympics.
Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif revealed that she underwent hormone treatment to lower her testosterone levels before the 2024 Paris Olympics. She made the disclosure in an interview with French sports daily L’Equipe. Khelif also clarified that she is not transgender. The Algerian boxer won gold in the women’s 66 kg category. Her participation had sparked a major gender-related controversy during the Games.
Khelif said she has female hormones and took medical treatment only to meet competition requirements. She explained that doctors closely monitored her condition. For the Paris Olympics qualifying tournament in Dakar, she reduced her testosterone levels significantly. She stressed that her medical process was supervised and legal. According to her, misinformation caused unnecessary backlash.
The boxer confirmed that she naturally has the SRY gene, which is associated with male chromosomes. She stated that this condition is biological and not a choice. Khelif said she has lived her entire life as a woman. She added that people in her village have always known her as a girl. She firmly rejected claims questioning her gender identity.
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Khelif said she is ready to undergo mandatory gender testing for future competitions. World Boxing has introduced chromosome tests for eligibility. She claimed to have already submitted her medical records and hormone reports. However, she said she has not yet received a response. Khelif maintained that she has nothing to hide.
Looking ahead, Khelif aims to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She also plans to pursue a professional boxing career in France. Despite recent restrictions, she remains confident about her future. Her goal is to defend her Olympic title. She hopes to become the first Algerian athlete to do so.
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