Martina Navratilova has never shied away from voicing her opinions on contentious issues. Recently, the tennis legend found herself at the center of heated debate when she criticized Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's inclusion in the Associated Press' (AP) Female Athlete of the Year poll. Khelif, who made headlines during the 2024 Paris Olympics by clinching the women's welterweight boxing gold medal, faced intense scrutiny due to allegations about her gender identity.
Critics claimed Khelif, reportedly possessing XY chromosomes, was biologically male, casting doubts on her eligibility to compete in women's sports. Despite this, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stood by Khelif, asserting her compliance with their gender regulations. The boxer’s inclusion in the AP's Female Athlete of the Year poll has only fueled the controversy, as she ranked third, trailing behind basketball sensation Caitlin Clark and gymnastics icon Simone Biles.
Navratilova, known for her vocal advocacy 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 tried to draw comparisons between Navratilova’s career and Khelif’s situation, commenting: "They used to ask the same about you back in the day, Martina. Imane is female." Navratilova responded firmly: "Nope—got my period every damn month, and no player complained playing me was unfair. I was justbetter than most, always a female. Imane never had a period—because there is no womb, no uterus, only undescended gonads. Try again, jerk."
This exchange exemplifies the passionate debates surrounding gender identity and sports. Following the 2024 Olympics, Navratilova expressed her disapproval of the IOC for allowing Khelif, who had not passed gender eligibility tests, to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Responding to one user’s criticism, Navratilova agreed with the initial sentiment, asserting, "Exactly right. Not trans at all." Khelif faced backlash when her opponent, Angela Carini, quit just 46 seconds after the start of their match, alleging a powerful hit caused her to suffer what may be a broken nose.
Adding to the controversy, Khelif had previously been disqualified from the 2023 World Championships for failing a gender test yet was later cleared by the IOC under its rules. Navratilova, often branded as controversial for her views, has previously labeled transgender athletes as "failed male athletes." This firm stance against allowing transgender individuals to compete alongside cisgender women has positioned Navratilova as both an advocate and critic within the sporting community.
On December 26, after Khelif secured third place among female athletes, Navratilova took to her social media platform again, tagging Khelif's congratulatory post with the caption: "Wtaf???" An observer replied, "It's disappointing to see you turn...for the sake of it," to which Navratilova sharply replied: "At least I'm a has-been :) so thanks for acknowledgingthat. Bitter? Not at all. Just a fairness freak :) Male bodies in female sports are not fair. Ok, darling?"
Navratilova has also defended writer and activist J.K. Rowling against accusations of transphobia. After comparing Rowling’s viewpoints with Khelif's situation, Navratilova stated, “They are both biological males with DSD (Differences of Sexual Development), with XY chromosomes… not attacking, just pointing out facts.” This response emphasizes her commitment to what she sees as defending biological women's rights and preserving the integrity of female sports.
The heated discussions surrounding Khelif's case and Navratilova's outspoken views have intensified calls for clarity within sports governing bodies about gender-related policies. Opponents of Navratilova argue her stance misses the nuances of diverse identities, leading to accusations of reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Advocates for Khelif argue for inclusivity and recognition of various gender identities, especially for those who have regulatory approvals from organizations like the IOC.
Overall, the controversy surrounding Imane Khelif, stirred by Navratilova's comments, reflects broader societal debates on gender, identity, and the nature of fairness within competitive sports. Many believe this topic will continue to challenge policymakers, athletes, and advocates as the sports world moves toward inclusivity and sensitivity to individual identities.
