Algerian boxer Imane Khelif earned widespread recognition after winning gold in the women’s 66 kg boxing division at the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, her victory soon became the center of controversy due to gender eligibility concerns. At the 2023 World Championships, Khelif was disqualified after failing eligibility tests conducted by the International Boxing Association (IBA), sparking a heated debate.
In response, IBA President Umar Kremlev called for Khelif to return her Olympic medal, citing “abnormal” test results as the basis for disqualification.
IOC’s Verdict: Khelif Keeps Her Medal
Newly appointed IOC President Kirsty Coventry addressed the issue directly. In her first press conference, she made it clear that the IOC would not be revisiting past medal decisions. The committee emphasized that retroactive actions are not aligned with their new forward-thinking approach. Coventry stated that learning from past situations and moving ahead with fairness is the best path forward.
This means that Imane Khelif will retain her Paris 2024 gold medal, despite the calls to revoke it.
What’s Changing: New Rules in Development
While the IOC chose not to strip Khelif of her medal, it has acknowledged the need for clearer policies in future competitions. The organization is forming a scientific taskforce to develop sport-specific guidelines around gender eligibility, particularly for transgender athletes and those with differences in sexual development (DSD).
Meanwhile, World Boxing, the newly recognized governing body for boxing, has introduced chromosomal testing for female athletes. This means that until Khelif undergoes this process and meets the new criteria, she won’t be able to participate in future events under World Boxing regulations. The organization later issued an apology for specifically naming her in their public announcement about the testing policy.
Khelif Responds
Despite the surrounding controversy, Khelif remained composed and motivated. She shared a message on social media that read:
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
The statement reflects her determination to move forward and continue her boxing career, even as she navigates new regulations.
Final Summary
Medal Status: Imane Khelif will keep her Olympic gold medal.
IOC’s Position: No retroactive punishment; future-focused reforms.
Upcoming Changes: Gender eligibility guidelines to be updated across all sports.
Khelif’s Next Steps: Awaiting clearance to compete again, determined to return to the ring.