Imane Khelif of Algeria, a boxer believed to be biologically male, has clinched the gold medal in the women’s boxing welterweight division at the Paris Olympics. Dominating China’s Yang Liu, Khelif received a unanimous victory. The earnings for the gold-medal winner include $50,000 for the athlete itself, $25,000 for their country, and $25,000 for their coach. However, Khelif’s participation has been a point of contention since the start, considering that the boxer is of male sex.
Last year, the International Boxing Association (IBA) – an organization with controversial ties to Russia – disqualified Khelif from its Women’s World Boxing Championships. The IBA stated their decision was based on Khelif having “competitive advantages over other female competitors.” Lin Yu-ting, another boxer from Taiwan participating in this year’s women’s featherweight division, received a similar disqualification.
Furthering the controversy, IBA chief executive Chris Roberts revealed that XY chromosomes were identified in Khelif’s test. In response to Khelif’s triumph, social media erupted with backlash, including comments from Riley Gaines, a 12-time NCAA All-American female swimmer. She lamented the encroachment on women’s athletic fairness and safety.