Trainer Helif: Imane is shocked to discover she might not be a girl after all

Imane Helif was certainly the most prominent figure at the Paris Olympics, and this was not primarily due to the fact that she ended the games with a gold medal around her neck. The Algerian boxer was disqualified from the World Championships last year for failing a gender test. Now her coach, Georges Cazorla, has also confirmed that his student had hormone issues.

Referring to official investigations, the International Boxing Association (IBA) claims that Imane Helif is biologically male, along with Lin Ju-ting, which is why they were excluded from the 2023 World Championships. Due to tensions between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the international boxing association, the rules of the latter were not enforced in Paris, which allowed both boxers to compete in the Olympics, and they even became the best in their weight classes.

Despite the outrage and demands resulting from the events, the IBA did not share the results of the tests mentioned earlier, as sensitive data documents containing sensitive data cannot be made public without the approval of those involved, violating their privacy rights. Helif’s coach, Georges Cazorla, also did not disclose this information, but confirmed to Le Point magazine that the tests revealed hormonal issues, high testosterone levels, and male chromosomes.

– This poor, young girl was shocked and suddenly realized that maybe she was not a girl at all – quoted Cazorla referring to the French magazine Origo.

During preparation, no opponent was found for Helif, the most talked-about participant in the Paris Olympics. Spanish national team coach Rafa Lozano also spoke about the boxer, saying that they trained with Heliff’s students for the Olympics, or would have trained, as the boxer was too strong to compete with women.

– We could not find anyone to spar with. She first got into the ring with Jennifer Fernandez, who was injured by her punches. Like the other girls who tried to fight her for a while. They received such blows that they could not continue. Finally, she sparred with José Quiles, the silver medalist in the men’s European Championship, where the balance of power was restored. Everyone thinks what they want, but I don’t think such a big advantage is really fair – said Lozano.

As Origo reported, the IBA condemned the inconsistencies at the Paris Olympics and stated in a statement: “Imane Helif and Lin Ju-ting did not meet the fitness requirements to compete among women. The exclusion of the boxers from the World Championship was justified, as the safety of the boxers is paramount.”