Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif has spoken out against what she describes as political exploitation by US President Donald Trump. She stated she has “nothing to do with transgender people” despite ongoing controversy surrounding her eligibility to compete in women’s sports.
In an exclusive interview with CNN Arabic, the Algerian gold medalist addressed Trump’s repeated references to her Olympic victory as justification for his push to ban transgender women and girls from women’s sports in America.
“Please don’t take advantage of me in political fields or in any kind of politics,” Khelif said. “I’m just a sportswoman. I want to make my dream come true and be in sports.”
The 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist became an unlikely figure in America’s culture wars after boxing’s ruling body banned her last year, demanding she take a controversial gender test to prove her eligibility.
Trump has repeatedly mentioned her case, stating at one point, “You won the gold medal. There were two transition people. They both won gold medals. The whole thing is ridiculous.”
Khelif, who rose from poverty in Algeria where she sold scrap copper to fund her training, maintains her position is clear. “I just wanted to make it clear that I have nothing to do with transgender people or transgender transformation,” she said.
The controversy centers on a 2023 report alleging Khelif has XY chromosomes. While she claims the report has been modified and questions its legitimacy, stating it came from “a small company of testers,” Khelif did reveal she has naturally higher testosterone levels.
She disclosed that approximately 18 months before the Paris Olympics, she worked to reduce her testosterone levels through medical intervention.
“I think that even if my testosterone levels are high, my testosterone levels are normal,” Khelif explained. “About a year and a half before the Olympic Games in Paris, I used to reduce my testosterone levels.”
In this she admitted to having SRY gene, located on the Y chromosome as confirmed by France24.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Khelif may face renewed pressure to undergo testing in what would be Trump’s America. However, she says she’s ready to submit to such tests, but only under International Olympic Committee supervision.
“Of course, I personally have a lot of confidence in the Olympic committee and it is the big body that needs to be involved in this matter,” she said.
The IOC has stated it will not reintroduce s*x testing practices abandoned nearly three decades ago, with officials calling such measures “a terrible, terrible thing to do.”
Khelif currentlu remains focused on inspiring young athletes, particularly girls who face similar challenges. “We have to challenge reality,” she said. “Each one of us has to have the courage to show her rights and her needs, because this is important.”
