Imane Khelif trains hard despite Olympic transgender athletes ban stirring debate around eligibility and fairness

Imane Khelif is not slowing down. Just hours after new Olympic rules around transgender and DSD athletes came into focus, she posted a strong training video on Instagram. The message was simple. She is still chasing her Olympic dream and is not stepping away from the sport.

The Algerian boxer, who won gold in Paris 2024, is now looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. This comes at a time when the International Olympic Committee has tightened rules for athletes competing in women’s events. The new rule says athletes may have to go through sex testing, and those with DSD must show they do not have an advantage from higher testosterone levels.

Imane Khelif continues training for Olympics as gender rules debate grows around IOC decision

Khelif’s recent video shows her going all out in the gym. She is lifting weights, doing push-ups, working on the bike, and training with full focus. Along with the video, she wrote, “Every workout counts. Every effort brings you closer to the battle.” It feels like a direct response to everything happening around her.

Her name has been part of this conversation for a while. Back in 2023, she failed a gender eligibility test conducted by the International Boxing Association. That moment brought a lot of attention and questions. Still, she went on to win Olympic gold in 2024, proving her ability inside the ring.

Khelif has a naturally high testosterone level, but she has said she takes treatment to manage it. Even with all the noise, she has stayed clear about one thing. She is ready to follow the rules if needed. In an earlier interview with CNN, she said, “Of course, I would accept doing anything I’m required to do to participate in competitions.”

At the same time, she has also spoken strongly about her identity. In an interview with L’Equipe, she said, “I am fully qualified. I am a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, I lived as a woman, I competed as a woman - there is no doubt.”

The debate grew even bigger after comments from Donald Trump, who earlier called her a “male boxer.” Khelif responded calmly but firmly. She said, “Trump cannot distort the truth. I’m not trans, I’m a girl.”

Right now, she has not competed since testing rules were introduced by World Boxing. She has also taken her case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and a hearing is still pending. But one thing is clear. From her training to her words, she is not backing down. She is preparing for Los Angeles 2028, step by step.



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