Paris 2024 boxing scandal: Algerians share childhood photos of Imane Khelif to prove boxer is female

Amid ongoing debate over boxer Imane Khelif's gender, Algerians on social media have circulated childhood photos to confirm that she is indeed female.

Despite being cleared by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Khelif’s gender has been a topic of controversy.

The 25-year-old, who had previously failed a gender eligibility test, needed just 46 seconds to defeat Angela Carini in their match on Thursday.

Khelif’s swift victory came when Carini, after taking several heavy punches early in the first round, succumbed to the fight and kneeled in tears.

The Italian boxer, visibly frustrated, threw her helmet to the ground, refused to shake Khelif’s hand, and yelled, “This is unjust.”

Previously, Khelif faced disqualification from the World Championships due to failed gender eligibility tests and subsequent DNA analysis.

However, with the International Boxing Association's disqualification no longer recognized by the IOC, Khelif was permitted to compete in this year’s Olympics.

Khelif, who had also been disqualified in the past for elevated testosterone levels, secured her place in the quarter-finals of the women's 66kg category after Carini’s withdrawal.

In light of ongoing skepticism, some social media users have labeled Khelif as “transgender” or “genetically male.”

Nonetheless, the IOC has stood by its decision to allow Khelif to compete, and many Algerians have shared her childhood photos online to affirm her gender.

Childhood pictures of Algerian boxer imane Khelif. She was indeed a born woman & suffered some hormonal issues. She won gold medal fair & sqaure pic.twitter.com/g46Av80x9f

— Hindutva Knight (@HPhobiaWatch) August 1, 2024