Martina Navratilova fires back at 'tarnished legacy' criticism after comments on controversial Olympics boxer Imane Khelif

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has once again sparked controversy by criticizing Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s inclusion in the Associated Press (AP) Female Athlete of the Year poll. Khelif, who secured a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been a divisive figure due to claims surrounding her gender identity.

Imane Khelif’s gold medal in the women’s welterweight boxing event at the 2024 Paris Olympics was a moment of pride for Algeria. However, her success was overshadowed by claims that she was a biological male, an allegation that fueled intense scrutiny.

Reports suggested Khelif possesses XY chromosomes, casting doubt on her eligibility to compete in women’s events. Despite the uproar, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) defended Khelif, with spokesperson Mark Adams confirming her gender as female under IOC standards.

This controversy only intensified when Khelif placed third in the AP Female Athlete of the Year poll. Rising basketball star Caitlin Clark topped the list with 35 votes, followed by gymnast Simone Biles with 25 votes.

Martina Navratilova took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her shock and disapproval, writing:

"wtaf," shorthand for "What the actual f**k."

When challenged by a user who suggested her comments could tarnish her legacy, Navratilova reiterated her stance, insisting that Khelif is male and that her legacy remains intact.

"This is not flex you believe it to be. Talk about trashing your own legacy," the user wrote.

"Imane is a male. Try again. My legacy remains untarnished, whatever it might be, thank you," Navratilova replied.

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Martina Navratilova criticizes IOC for allowing Imane Khelif’s controversial entry into Paris Olympics

Martina Navratilova during the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards press conference (Image source: Getty)

Martina Navratilova criticized the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for allowing Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who failed a gender test, to compete in the women’s boxing event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Khelif caused controversy when her opponent, Angela Carini, quit after just 46 seconds, citing a powerful hit and a possible broken nose. Khelif had previously been disqualified from the 2023 World Championships for failing a gender test, but the IOC allowed her to compete under their rules.

In August 2024, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion responded to a tweet arguing that Khelif shouldn’t compete in female or trans categories.

"While I'm here, should probably record my further thoughts on Khelif - unfair, should not compete as female, but not trans either and for all we know, believes sincerely is female from birth. DSDs are different to "identifying" as woman age 43 or whatever. Failure is IOC's," a user wrote.

"Exactly right. Not trans at all," Navratilova replied.

In other news, Martina Navratilova recently responded to Sebastian Coe's pledge to implement major reforms such as innovation, protecting women's sports, and encouraging more open dialogue within the International Olympic Committee (IOC) if he wins the presidency in March 2025.