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 both have vaginal pouches 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.
