The ongoing debate surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s gender has reached a crucial turning point after her team released significant findings from a leading endocrinologist. This revelation comes just days after Khelif secured an Olympic gold medal in Paris, a victory overshadowed by controversy. The uproar began when the International Boxing Association (IBA) barred her from the 2023 World Championships, claiming a gender eligibility test suggested she had XY chromosomes, typically associated with males, igniting widespread debate.

Khelif’s journey in Paris was a mix of triumph and controversy. Despite her gold medal win, questions about her gender persisted, with some accusing her of having an unfair advantage. The scrutiny escalated when her father presented her birth certificate on French television, confirming she was born a woman. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also supported Khelif, dismissing the IBA’s tests as unreliable and affirming her right to compete in the women’s category.

The latest twist in this saga occurred when Khelif’s trainer, George Cazorla, shared findings from an endocrinologist at the Parisian University Hospital. According to Cazorla, the doctor confirmed that although Khelif has some chromosomal and hormonal anomalies, she is biologically female. Khelif’s team has been working with a doctor in Algeria to monitor and regulate her testosterone levels, which now fall within the typical female range. Cazorla noted that recent tests show a decrease in Khelif’s muscle mass and other physical attributes, countering claims of any unfair advantage.

The controversy surrounding Khelif intensified following her victory over Italy’s Angela Carini, leading to further speculation about her gender. As the debate grew, public figures such as Elon Musk, J.K. Rowling, and swimmer Riley Gaines weighed in, with Gaines controversially asserting that “men don’t belong in women’s sports.” However, Khelif also received support from notable figures like soccer star Ismael Bennacer and former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen, who argued that the IBA’s tests had been misinterpreted and that no definitive proof of XY chromosomes had been provided.

Khelif’s dominant performance in the Olympics, especially her victory over 2023 World Championship gold medalist Liu Yang, was seen by many as a definitive response to the allegations. She outclassed her opponent in all three rounds, leaving no doubt about her skill and superiority in the ring. After her win, Khelif directly addressed the controversy, stating, “I am a woman like any other. I was born a woman, I lived as a woman, I competed as a woman—there’s no doubt about that.”

While the debate may persist in some circles, the findings released by Khelif’s team provide strong validation for the boxer. There is hope that this clarification will help put an end to the controversy, allowing Khelif to fully celebrate her achievements and continue her career without the cloud of doubt hanging over her.