Olympic champion Imane Khelif unveils dramatic new makeover after Paris 2024 gender storm and s*x testing rules

Imane Khelif, Algerian Olympic boxing champion, showed a new, more feminine look this week. She shared a picture on Instagram with television host and podcaster Nassima Djaffar Bey.

Khelif has not boxed since winning gold at Paris 2024 and has said she is going through a “difficult phase.” Meanwhile, the new world boxing body, World Boxing, introduced strict sex-testing rules in spring 2025. Because of those rules, Khelif opted out of a planned tournament in the Netherlands this June.

Imane Khelif stuns fans with new feminine look and emotional Instagram message

Imane Khelif appeared this Tuesday in a selfie with Nassima Djaffar Bey, looking happy with make-up and long flowing hair. Djaffar Bey wrote, “Always a pleasure.”

On the one-year anniversary of her Olympic win, August 9, 2024, Imane Khelif posted a heartfelt message on Instagram. She wrote:“It was an unforgettable moment a moment where my tears mixed with the awe of pride… Today, on the anniversary of that triumph, I’m going through a difficult phase filled with challenges, silence, and waiting… But despite everything, the spirit that fought for gold still beats within me. I still believe that every fall is a prelude to a stronger rise… I am Imane Khelif a champion yesterday, resilient today, and determined to return tomorrow.

Thank you to everyone who still believes in me… And to myself, thank you for never giving up.”Also Read: “Does Anyone Really Care About Her?”: Andy Roddick Delivers Sharp Message As Iga Swiatek Gets Disrespected Following Cincinnati Open Victory

Imane Khelif faces World Boxing’s mandatory sex testing rules after Paris 2024 gold

In May 2025, World Boxing, the new governing body recognized by the IOC, made a rule. It said all boxers 18 and older must take genetic sex tests (PCR tests) to compete in women’s events. These tests check for the Y chromosome. The policy took effect right away. World Boxing said Imane Khelif could not enter the Eindhoven Box Cup in the Netherlands in June because she had not taken the test yet. World Boxing said the test and rules are to keep things safe and fair in a sport where punches are strong. But they also said they would help athletes who need more checks and even let them appeal. World Boxing later apologized to the Algerian federation for naming Imane Khelif in their announcement.