Martina Navratilova makes her feelings known about being compared to controversial boxer Imane Khelif

Martina Navratilova has never shied away from voicing her opinions on contentious issues. Navratilova recently found herself at the center of a heated debate when she criticized Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s inclusion in the Associated Press' (AP) Female Athlete of the Year poll.

Khelif made headlines during the 2024 Paris Olympics by clinching a women’s welterweight boxing gold medal. Her victory, however, came under intense scrutiny due to allegations surrounding her gender identity.

Critics claimed that Khelif, reportedly possessing XY chromosomes, was biologically male, casting doubts on her eligibility to compete in women’s sports. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stood by Khelif, affirming her compliance with their gender regulations.

Khelif’s inclusion in the AP's Female Athlete of the Year poll further fueled the controversy. She ranked third, trailing basketball sensation Caitlin Clark and gymnastics icon Simone Biles.

Martina Navratilova, a vocal advocate for fairness in women’s sports, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her shock at Khelif’s recognition, writing:

"wtaf," short for (What the actual f**k).

A user compared Navratilova’s situation to Khelif’s, suggesting that the tennis star had faced similar abuse during her career due to her muscular physique, writing:

"They used to ask the same about you back in the day, Martina. Imane is female."

Navratilova replied:

"Nope-got my period every damn month, and no player complained playing me was unfair. I was just better than most, always a female. Imane never had a period- because there is no womb, no uterus, only undescended gonads. Try again, jerk."

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Martina Navratilova slams IOC over Imane Khelif’s inclusion in Paris Olympics

In Picture: Martina Navratilova (Image source: Getty)

Martina Navratilova expressed her disapproval of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for permitting Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who had not passed a gender test, to compete in the women's boxing event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In August 2024, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion responded to a tweet contending that Khelif should not compete in either female or trans categories. The original tweet said,

"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.

Khelif faced backlash after her opponent, Angela Carini, quit just 46 seconds into their match, citing a powerful hit that may have caused a broken nose. Despite being disqualified from the 2023 World Championships for failing a gender test, Khelif was cleared by the IOC under its rules.