"Not trans" - Martina Navratilova puts the blame on IOC for gender test-failed athlete Imane Khelif's controversial presence at Paris Olympics

Martina Navratilova expressed her dismay at an Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who previously failed a gender test, being allowed to compete at the Paris Olympics 2024. She put the blame on the IOC (International Olympic Committee) for allowing Khelif to participate in the event.

Imane Khelif is a boxer who was embroiled in controversy when her Italian opponent Angela Carini quit the bout after 46 seconds. Carini later claimed that it was the most powerful hit she had ever faced and also complained of a possibly broken nose.

In 2023, Khelif was disqualified from the world championships in New Delhi, India after she failed a gender test. The world championships are governed by the IBA (International Boxing Association) while the Olympics are governed by the IOC, and hence the Algerian was allowed to compete as per the IOC's rules.

Navratilova has been making her voice heard on social media regarding the Khelif-Carini controversy. Recently, the American responded to a tweet claiming that Khelif should not compete in female categories or even in trans categories. X user Kathleen Stock tweeted:

"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."

To this, Navratilova replied:

"Exactly right. Not trans at all."

It may be noted that Imane Khelif has never identified herself as a transgender athlete and has always competed as a woman.

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Martina Navratilova on Imane Khelif-Angela Carini controversy - "Deplorable"

Martina Navratilova at the 2024 French Open (Source: Getty)

Martina Navratilova, who has been a staunch advocate of not allowing trans women in women's sports, has been voicing her opinions and thoughts on the ongoing controversy at the Paris Olympics 2024.

The American has been lending her support to the Italian boxer Angela Carini. She called out the people in power and warned them about the aftermath of this controversy, saying:

"Deplorable. This will not end well for the people in power who allowed this to happen."

On August 1, she echoed similar sentiments and said that those in power were to be blamed for this.

"This is on all officials and people in power at the IOC- from the top down- you did this. Hope you’re proud," Navratilova wrote.

Martina Navratilova retired from tennis after a successful career spanning three decades, having won 18 Grand Slam titles in singles, 31 women's doubles, and 10 Major mixed doubles. Since her retirement, she has been making waves on social media due to her strong opinions on trans women and politics among other subjects.