Imane Khelif says ‘nothing to hide’ as she prepares for sex verification test before LA 2028

Imane Khelif became one of the most talked-about athletes following the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the Algerian boxer won gold in the women’s welterweight division.

In the months after her victory, remarks made by opponents during the tournament fuelled widespread misinformation, with Khelif increasingly targeted by right-wing groups falsely portraying her as a transgender athlete — despite her not being transgender.

Among those amplifying the claims was US President Donald Trump, who described Khelif as a “male boxer” while signing the Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports bill.

As Khelif contests World Boxing’s sex-verification regulations at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), she told CNN that she would be willing to undergo testing if it allows her to defend her Olympic title at the Los Angeles Games in 2028. However, she said she was weary of being used as a political symbol.

“I’m not transgender. I’m a woman. I want to live my life. Please do not exploit me in your political agendas,” Khelif said. She added that while she understands concerns around fairness in sport, those concerns should not come at the expense of athletes’ dignity and wellbeing. “They should protect women, but while protecting women, they shouldn’t hurt other women,” she said.

‘I was born like this’: Khelif takes case to CAS

Khelif was barred from competition by the now-defunct International Boxing Association (IBA) in 2023. However, the International Olympic Committee no longer recognises the IBA as boxing’s governing body, a decision that allowed Khelif to compete — and ultimately claim gold — at the Paris Olympics.

Her win was followed by claims that she was born male or had an unfair advantage due to disorders of sex development (DSDs), allegations for which no evidence has been presented. Despite this, the claims have continued to circulate in political and sporting discourse.

“I was born like this. I do have hormonal differences,” Khelif said. “But I reduce my testosterone levels based on my doctor’s recommendations.” In May 2025, World Boxing introduced mandatory sex-verification testing for competitors. While Khelif is challenging the policy on principle, she said she would comply if required to compete at the Olympics.

“I have nothing to hide,” she said.

“Boxing does not rely on testosterone. It relies on intelligence, experience and discipline.”