Olympic gender row

Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, has faced intense backlash after her swift victory over Angela Carini in the women’s welterweight category at the Paris Games, particularly due to her past failure of gender eligibility tests conducted by the International Boxing Association (IBA). Khelif was cleared to compete by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which has defended her inclusion amidst ongoing criticism, including derogatory remarks from her next opponent, Anna Luca Hamori. Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has publicly supported Khelif, condemning the racist and transphobic rhetoric surrounding the controversy and emphasizing Khelif's previous qualifications as an athlete. The situation has prompted the Algerian Olympic Committee to file an official complaint with the IOC, decrying the 'lies' and 'unethical targeting' against Khelif. UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy acknowledged the incident as 'incredibly uncomfortable' and indicated a need for discussions about inclusion and fairness in sports. The debate continues to polarize public opinion, with various figures from media and sports expressing their views on the implications of gender identity in competition.