Imane Khelif winning gold in the boxing “raises an eyebrow” as a gender row continues to rumble on, according to Olympic legend Mark Foster.
The Algerian romped to Olympic success in Paris after continually being asked questions about her gender.
The 25-year-old was banned and reported to have failed gender eligibility tests by the International Boxing Association (IBA) but was cleared to perform at the Olympics by the IOC (International Olympic Committee).
Her case is not unique, with Lin Yu-ting, who was also banned last year under the same ruling, preparing to fight Poland’s Julia Szeremeta in the featherweight final on Saturday.
Mark Foster discussed Imane Khelif on GB News
PA / GB NEWS
Foster waded in on the two cases on GB News, revealing he had spoken to fellow former swimmer Sharron Davies on the matter.
“I’m not that well educated in this area. I know bits and I know what I read”, he said.
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“I spoke a lot to Sharron Davies. She says that back in the ‘70s there was a simple sex test which was a swab in your mouth saying if you are XX or XY. If it’s as simple as that, I don’t know why they don’t do it.
“When you’re in a sport that is a combat sport, which is potentially dangerous, it needs looking at a bit more.”
Speaking about the possibility of both athletes winning gold, he said: “It raises more of an eyebrow.
“It also says, ‘I told you so’. I will look at a swimming case. Lia Thomas as a male swimmer was something like 500th in the NC2A rankings as a male. He transitioned to being a female then won.
Mark Foster joined Ellie Costello and Ben Leo on GB News
GB NEWS
“That’s my proof that you have an advantage. Women have fought for rights for years just for votes, and now for sports on a level playing field. From that point of view, it’s completely not fair.”
Khelif has hit back at “attacks” over her gender eligibility throughout the games and her dad even disclosed her birth certificate, which says she was born a female.
After winning the gold medal, Khelif said the controversy gave her success a “special taste”.
"I am fully qualified to take part in this competition," said 25-year-old Khelif. "I am a woman like any other woman.
Imane Khelif poses with her gold medal at the Paris Olympics on FridayREUTERS"I was born a woman. I have lived as a woman. I competed as a woman - there is no doubt about that."
The Algerian had tears in her eyes and was applauded by her defeated opponent as she basked in her success.
The arena had a heavy Algerian presence with supporters of Khelif delivering a raucous reception for the fighter.