Khelif Discloses Hormone Therapy to Lower Testosterone

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who captured gold in the women's welterweight division at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has disclosed undergoing hormone treatments to lower her testosterone levels ahead of competitions, while affirming her commitment to genetic testing for future events.

In a recent interview with the French sports publication L'Equipe, Khelif, 26, addressed ongoing questions about her eligibility following a disqualification by the International Boxing Association from the 2023 World Championships. The IBA had cited results from sex chromosome tests as the basis for barring her participation. Khelif stated that she possesses the SRY gene, typically located on the Y chromosome and associated with male development, but emphasized that her differences are natural. "We all have different genetics, different hormone levels. I'm not transgender. My difference is natural. This is who I am. I haven't done anything to change the way nature made me," she said. She added that she was raised as a girl in her village and has always been recognized as such.

Khelif confirmed taking hormone treatments to reduce her testosterone, including bringing levels to zero during the qualifying...