Just a quick note in relation to XY chromosome athletes competing in women’s divisions in the Olympics.

Some of these athletes, including Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, have what is known as AIS (5-alpha-reductase deficiency). In many cases, including his, this means that male genitalia are not visible prior to puberty. In those cases, including his, children are often raised as female.

However, the question is not what he appeared to be, and how he was raised, but what he is now. In most cases of AIS type DSD (disorder of sex development), male genitalia develop and operate normally in puberty. This was the case with Imane Khelif. He was treated as girl his entire childhood, and registered as female at birth. But he always had testes and XY chromosomes, and at puberty, his body developed into an adult male body, with male body shape, strength and speed.

This was immensely confusing for him and for his family. He, and others in his situation, should be treated with care and compassion.

So should everyone else, including female athletes. Care and compassion for female athletes means they should not be in the position of having to compete against males in sports where speed and muscle bulk make a difference, and especially where that difference could result in serious long-term harm.

Pointing this out and making rules clear, as the International Boxing Association has done, is not bullying. It is the only option which is fair and safe, and which recognises the reality of biological differences.