Algeria Releases Childhood Photos of Imane Khelif to Confirm Boxer’s Female Gender

Algerians have taken to social media to share childhood photos of boxer Imane Khelif, aiming to confirm her gender after recent controversies.

Despite being cleared by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, questions about her sex have persisted.

On Thursday, the 25-year-old Khelif, who had previously failed a gender eligibility test, defeated Angela Carini in just 46 seconds.

Carini, overwhelmed by Khelif’s powerful punches, gave up the fight within the first round, visibly distressed. She threw her helmet in frustration and declined to shake Khelif’s hand, accusing the match of being unfair.

Last year, Khelif was disqualified from the World Championships due to a failed gender test after a series of DNA examinations.

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

Her swift victory has fueled debate on social media, with some labeling her as “transgender” or “genetically male.” Despite these opinions, the IOC has defended its decision to allow her participation.

In response to the controversy, some Algerians are posting Khelif’s childhood photos online to reaffirm her identity as a woman.