RIYADH: The Algerian Olympic Committee has condemned as “baseless” a medical report targeting gold medalist Imane Khelif, which claims she has male chromosomes and no uterus.
The unverified report, widely shared on social media, has sparked fresh controversy. This is the latest round of accusations that the Algerian athlete has had to face since the Olympic Games in Paris earlier this year.
In a statement carried by the German media group DW, the Algerian Olympic Committee rejected the claims as “baseless attacks.”
It said the accusations were aimed at tarnishing the image of Khelif, who was “an athlete who has brought honor to our nation on the international stage.”
The document in question, allegedly written by French endocrinologist Jacques Young, suggested Khelif has a condition known as Difference of Sexual Development.
However, Young has denied any involvement, accusing others of using his name to promote an anti-transgender agenda.
The hospital where Young works refused to confirm the document’s authenticity, citing patient confidentiality.
The International Olympic Committee has distanced itself from the document, labelling it “unverified” and confirmed that Khelif is considering legal action in response to the claims.
This is not the first time Khelif has faced controversy.
After her gold medal win in the women’s 66 kg boxing event at the Olympics, she was falsely accused of failing gender verification tests run by the International Boxing Association.
The IBA’s claim that she had male chromosomes was dismissed by the IOC as “illegitimate.”
The latest round of attacks resurfaced in late October, fueled by online platforms, including Reduxx, a magazine known for its “pro-woman” stance.
The report suggested Khelif underwent genetic testing that supposedly revealed a Difference of Sexual Development condition. However, a screenshot from the report clarified that Khelif was still deemed female by the doctors involved.
Khelif, who has always identified as a woman, has not publicly commented, but her management team confirmed she is pursuing legal action.
The Algerian Olympic Committee reiterated its full support for Khelif and called for an end to harmful gender-based attacks in sports.
