A quick 46-second fight and a lightning-fast controversy. While this August 1, 2024, the Algerian boxer Imane Khelif made the Italian Angela Carini abandon in 46 seconds, during the women’s fights in the 66 kg category of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the controversy grew rapidly.
Already disqualified for “high testosterone”
The cause ? A level of testosterone that is too high for the athlete, which would make people doubt their gender. A controversy not new since Imane Khelif had failed a gender eligibility test established by the international federation (IBA) in 2023, excluding her from the World Championships.
According to the IOC, the Algerian was disqualified after “ high testosterone levels » during these tests. Taiwanese Lin Yu-ting was also excluded.
“The testosterone test is not a perfect test”
But the IOC justifies its participation in the Olympics by emphasizing that it was “ confirmed that they are women. (…) The testosterone test is not a perfect test. Many women can have testosterone levels equal to those of men, even though they are women. “.
A clue to explain this high level of testosterone would be the disease of the PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which, according to the WHO, affects 8 to 13% of women.
In conclusion, Imane Khelif simply has genetic predispositions that make her more effective in her sport. But her case raises a legitimate question: to what extent do you have to prove yourself as a woman to participate in the Olympics?
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Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
