Imane Khelif challenges ban on genetic sex testing in boxing
- Imane Khelif, an Olympic gold medalist from Algeria, has been politically and publicly challenged regarding her participation in women's boxing due to new genetic testing mandates.
- World Boxing implemented a one-time genetic test requirement for all female athletes, resulting in Khelif being banned from competitions until she complies.
- The legal appeal Khelif has filed against this testing requirement highlights broader issues of gender identity and eligibility in women's sports.
Imane Khelif, an Olympic gold medalist and boxer from Algeria, is currently engaged in a legal battle against World Boxing's decision that mandates female athletes to undergo mandatory genetic sex testing. This controversy emerged prominently after Khelif's victory in the women's welterweight division at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which led to extensive discussion and scrutiny regarding gender eligibility in sports. In May, the global boxing body announced a ban on Khelif's participation in any competitions until she completed this genetic testing, which is aimed at determining the biological sex of athletes. The requirement specifically targets the SRY gene found on the Y chromosome, which is used as a marker for male identification. Khelif's initial disqualification from the International Boxing Association's world championships in 2023 was tied to a failure in sex chromosome testing, an event that contributed to the ongoing debate about fair competition in women’s sports. Following her Olympic victory, Khelif found herself at the center of heated discussions around gender and fairness, with numerous commentators weighing in on the broader implications of her participation and the testing rules being implemented. She has proclaimed her intention to continue competing and has publicly stated that reports of her retirement are untrue. Concurrently, in August, Khelif filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the ban, stating her desire to compete in the upcoming 2025 World Boxing Championships without having to undergo the mandated test. However, CAS recently dismissed her request to suspend the enforcement of the testing rule while her appeal is under consideration. The ruling by CAS indicates that the case is still active, with further exchanges of written submissions occurring among involved parties. As Khelif fights to retain her eligibility amidst this contentious backdrop, the ongoing dialogue highlights a significant shift within sports regarding gender identity, equality, and inclusivity. Her case has also drawn attention from high-profile figures and organizations, leading to discussions on policy changes across various sporting disciplines regarding gender eligibility. The implications of this case could resonate beyond boxing, affecting policies and practices in athletics worldwide and potentially redefining the landscape of competitive sports.