False claims spread by a discredited Russian boxing organization have become a tool for Donald Trump’s supporters, leading to baseless accusations against an Algerian boxer at the Paris Olympics. Imane Khelif, a welterweight competitor, faced unfounded allegations after defeating Italian boxer Angela Carini, who withdrew from the bout after being struck with powerful punches.
Conservatives, including Elon Musk, J.K. Rowling, and Trump, seized on the opportunity to criticize Khelif, using the punches and a disputed 2023 test from the Russian-run International Boxing Association (IBA) as evidence. Sen. JD Vance absurdly blamed Kamala Harris for the supposed injustice of a man competing against a woman.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif triumphs at the Paris Olympics despite baseless claims and a Russian disinformation campaign
Contrary to these claims, Khelif is neither transgender nor intersex; she was assigned female at birth, and raised as a girl, and her passport and Olympic credentials identify her as female. She has been defeated by other women in her boxing career.
The controversial test in question, which the IBA has not fully disclosed, claimed Khelif had XY chromosomes, a result that experts argue is inconclusive and does not necessarily indicate male biology. The IBA’s secrecy and the timing of the test—coinciding with Khelif’s victory over a Russian boxer—suggest politically motivated attacks rather than legitimate concerns.
Following these attacks, IOC President Thomas Bach denounced the hate speech and accused Russia of waging a “culture war” and defaming the Olympics. This incident highlights how right-wing figures in the U.S. have become unwitting propagandists of Russian disinformation.
Despite the controversy, Khelif secured the women’s welterweight gold medal and firmly stated, “I am a woman like any other woman,” disproving the baseless claims against her.
