PED Expert on Imane Khelif Case Leak: “You Are Literally an Undervirilized Male”
The eligibility of Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif to compete in women’s boxing has come under intense scrutiny following a controversial leaked medical report. The report, which indicates Khelif may possess XY chromosomes and internal testicles, has reignited debates about gender verification and fair competition in elite sports, particularly in combat disciplines.
The leaked report, obtained by French journalist Geoffroy Audia, was drafted by endocrinologists from hospitals in Paris and Algeria. It claims Khelif has 5-alpha reductase deficiency, a rare disorder of sexual development that occurs only in biological males. This condition can cause ambiguous genitalia at birth, leading to an incorrect female sex assignment.
Audia reported that an MRI revealed Khelif lacks a uterus but has internal testicles and a micropenis. Chromosomal testing confirmed an XY karyotype, with testosterone levels consistent with typical male physiology.
PED expert Derek from the platform More Plates More Dates weighed in on the controversy, explaining the physiological implications of Khelif’s condition.
“This is not insensitivity to androgens at the AR,” Derek clarified. “This is actual deficiency of DHT solely that prevents you from having full masculinization during puberty, but you still have testosterone production of a male, you still have the infrastructure of a male.”
Derek emphasized that despite the DHT deficiency, individuals with 5-alpha reductase deficiency retain the anabolic and athletic advantages of male physiology, including greater muscle mass and strength compared to females.
The case has raised significant questions about the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) gender eligibility policies. Currently, the IOC allows athletes to compete in women’s events if their legal documents indicate a female sex marker, a criterion Derek sharply criticized.
“Apparently the IOC thinks having a passport that says you’re female is sufficient, which seems a little bit illogical or, at worst, pretty f**ked up,” Derek stated in his video.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) previously disqualified Khelif from the 2023 World Championships based on failed gender eligibility tests. Yet, Khelif has continued to compete in women’s events under IOC regulations, a situation that many critics find problematic, particularly in combat sports where safety and fairness are paramount.
Derek called on Khelif to address the allegations openly by providing medical evidence to clarify the situation.
“The responsibility is [on] Iman to prove this not to be the case,” he argued. “The hiding of it and the constant trying to shut people up who talk about it without just showing some proof makes it look worse and worse every time somebody talks about this.”
He further questioned the ethics of allowing someone with significant male physiological advantages to compete against women in a sport as physically demanding and potentially dangerous as boxing.
“You should have to prove that you are also a female in order to punch females in the head in an Olympic sport,” Derek stated bluntly.
The Khelif case highlights the ongoing challenges sports organizations face in balancing inclusivity with fairness. While the IOC’s current criteria aim to respect individual identities, critics argue that such policies undermine the integrity of women’s sports, particularly in events where physical advantages can directly impact safety and outcomes.
