Fact Check: Imane Khelif has XY chromosomes

Fact Check: "Imane Khelif has XY chromosomes"

What We Know

Imane Khelif is an Algerian professional boxer who won a gold medal in the women's 66 kg (welterweight) boxing event at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Following her victory, misinformation arose regarding her gender and eligibility to compete, particularly claims that she is male due to having XY chromosomes. Khelif was born female, and no credible medical evidence has been published to support claims that she possesses XY chromosomes or elevated testosterone levels (source-1).

In March 2023, Khelif was disqualified from the Women's World Boxing Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) after allegedly failing unspecified gender eligibility tests. The IBA's president claimed that DNA tests indicated the presence of XY chromosomes, but this assertion has been met with skepticism and controversy (source-2, source-8). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) later criticized the IBA's disqualification as "sudden and arbitrary," affirming Khelif's eligibility to compete in the Olympics (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that Imane Khelif has XY chromosomes is primarily based on statements made by the IBA, which has not provided transparent evidence or methodology regarding the tests conducted. The IOC has stated that Khelif was born female, registered as female, and has lived her life as a female (source-1). The IBA's claims have been criticized for lacking due process and clarity, with the IOC emphasizing that Khelif complied with all necessary eligibility and medical regulations for the Olympic Games (source-1, source-2).

Furthermore, the scientific understanding of sex determination and the implications of having XY chromosomes are complex. While most males have XY chromosomes, there are exceptions where individuals with XY chromosomes may present female characteristics due to various intersex conditions (source-2). This complexity suggests that simply having XY chromosomes does not definitively categorize someone as male or disqualify them from competing in women's sports.

The reliability of sources claiming Khelif has XY chromosomes is questionable. Reports from outlets like the Washington Post and USA Today highlight the lack of published medical evidence regarding her chromosomes (source-8). Additionally, claims based on leaked documents or unverified sources should be treated with caution, as they may not reflect accurate medical assessments (source-7).

Conclusion

The claim that Imane Khelif has XY chromosomes is False. While the IBA has made assertions regarding her chromosomes, these claims lack credible medical evidence and have been contradicted by the IOC, which recognizes Khelif as a female athlete. The complexities surrounding gender identity and biological sex further complicate the narrative, emphasizing that the presence of XY chromosomes alone does not determine one's eligibility to compete as a woman in sports.