The Algerian boxer who was disqualified for having male XY chromosomes was raised as a girl. Imane Khelif has what’s known as disorders of sex development (DSD).
DSD is a group of about 60 congenital conditions that affect the human reproductive system. DSDs was previously called “intersex.”
Khelif’s XY chromosomes and testosterone levels give them a distinct physical advantage over biological women.
Like South African runner Caster Semenya, Khelif was born with XY chromosomes. They were both born with a malformed penis that resemble a vagina, but no uterus or ovaries.
In 2010 and 2015, Semenya, 33, was given testosterone-suppressing medication by the IAAF and allowed to run in track meets.
Khelif, 25, and Semenya both have internal testicles (gonads) and they produce the same amount of testosterone as a normal male.
They both have the same musculature and skeletal systems of a biological male.
They both identify as women, but they have a physical advantage over most women.
