Imane Khelif: "I Respect Trump, But He Cannot Distort the Truth... I Am Not Transgender!"

05 February 2026at23:01

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has revealed new details regarding the controversy surrounding her gender identity and hormone levels. She affirmed that she has undergone medical treatments under the supervision of specialists, and that possessing the "SRY" gene on the "Y" chromosome is natural and does not negate her femininity. Khelif emphasized that she was raised and grew up as a girl, and does not conceal any medical information from international sports bodies.

Khelif told the French newspaper L’Équipe: "I have female hormones, and people don't know that. I have taken hormonal treatments to lower my testosterone level before competitions."

Regarding her possession of the "SRY" gene on the "Y" chromosome, she stated: "Yes, and that is normal. I am surrounded by doctors, and a professor monitors me. For the Olympic Games qualification tournament in Paris, which took place in Dakar, I lowered my testosterone level to zero, and despite all that, I won the gold medal in the -66 kg weight category."

Addressing the controversy surrounding her gender and accusations from figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, she added: "I respect everyone, and I respect Trump because he is the President of the United States, but he cannot distort the truth. I am not transgender; I am a girl. I was raised as a girl, grew up as a girl, and the people in my village have always known me as a girl."

She continued: "For the upcoming Games, if I have to undergo a test, I will do it; I have no problem. I have already taken this test. I contacted 'World Boxing' and sent them my medical file and hormone tests, but I did not receive any response. I am not hiding anything, nor do I refuse to undergo tests."

She further stated: "Let the doctors and professors decide. We all have different genes and different hormone levels. I am not transgender. My difference is natural. This is how I am; I have done nothing to change what nature created me to be, and that is why I am not afraid."

Regarding her future career and the 2028 Olympics, she said: "This is the logical next step, but just because I will compete professionally doesn't mean I will give up on the 2028 Olympics. Not at all. I want to become the first Algerian female athlete to retain her Olympic title."

Q&A

What has Imane Khelif stated about the controversy surrounding her gender identity?

Imane Khelif firmly states she is not transgender, asserting she was raised as a girl and her possession of the "SRY" gene is natural. She also details undergoing hormonal treatments.

How does Imane Khelif manage her hormone levels for competitive boxing?

Imane Khelif confirms she undergoes medical treatments under specialist supervision, including lowering her testosterone levels before competitions. She successfully lowered it to zero for an Olympic qualification tournament.

Algeria