Imane Khelif has addressed the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, expressing her willingness to undergo genetic testing to address any concerns about her gender.
In 2024, Khelif gained international attention when Angela Carini left the ring shortly after the fight began due to her headgear coming loose twice.
Carini also experienced significant pain in her nose within that brief period and was concerned Khelif might have injured it.
Following the Olympic bout, it was disclosed that Khelif, who is from Algeria, did not pass a gender eligibility test in 2023 due to high testosterone levels.
She was deemed ineligible based on the International Boxing Association (IBA) rules, which prohibit athletes with XY chromosomes from participating in women’s events, as reported by Reuters at the time.
This led to questions regarding her gender and suggestions that Khelif was transgender. However, she has consistently maintained that she has been female since birth.
Amid the controversy, Khelif went on to achieve success at the Paris Olympics, securing a gold medal for Algeria.
Khelif plans to compete again in the Los Angeles Olympics in two years and has directed a message to President Trump, who previously referred to her as a ‘male boxer’.
“Please do not exploit me in your political agenda,” she told CNN.
Khelif also stated: “I want to clarify to all the people, to the president, and to all the politicians who are exploiting my image as if I’m transgender that I have nothing to do with transgender.
“I’m just an athlete. My dream is to play sports.”
The 26-year-old boxer also addressed the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) proposed introduction of genetic testing to its eligibility criteria.
As Khelif expressed she has ‘nothing to hide’, she stated she would undergo the testing if needed — but only under the IOC’s supervision.
“Of course, I would accept doing anything I’m required to do to participate in competitions,” the boxer remarked.
“They should protect women, but they need to pay attention that while protecting women, they shouldn’t hurt other women,” Khelif added.
Genetic testing had not been part of the IOC’s regulations for three decades. However, the proposal to reintroduce it was suggested by new IOC president Kirsty Coventry last year.
Since then, World Boxing, responsible for overseeing boxing events at the upcoming LA Olympics, has declared mandatory sex testing for all participants in its competitions.