Algerian Olympian boxer Imane Khelif chose not to respond to inquiries regarding testing, as she expressed her discontent over bullying related to a disqualification from a previous tournament.
In a conversation with SNTV, a sports video partner of The Associated Press, Khelif addressed the recent uproar, with the AP noting they had inquired if Khelif “had undergone tests beyond doping tests.”
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Imane Khelif, left, competing against Anna Luca Hamori during the Olympic Games at the North Paris Arena, Villepinte, France, on Aug. 3, 2024. (Mehmet Murat Onel/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The boxer opted not to comment, reportedly stating “she didn’t want to discuss it.”
The controversy has stemmed from failed gender tests at the 2023 International Boxing Association Women’s World Championships involving Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting.
As a result, Khelif urged fans to cease the bullying.
“I want to send a message to everyone in the world to uphold Olympic values and the Olympic Charter, and to stop bullying athletes, as it has severe consequences,” Khelif expressed in her remarks to SNTV. “It can harm individuals mentally, affect their well-being and create divisions. Therefore, I advocate for an end to bullying.”
After her victory in the quarterfinals, Khelif asserted, “I am a woman,” and has secured at least a bronze medal.
Imane Khelif during the women’s 66kg quarter-final boxing match at the Olympic Games in France on Aug. 3, 2024. (Mehmet Murat Onel/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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“I connect with my family twice a week. I hope they are not deeply affected,” Khelif mentioned. “They worry about my situation. Hopefully, this crisis will lead to a gold medal, which would be the best response.”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has continuously supported Khelif. On Sunday, the IOC criticized the gender tests used by the International Boxing Association, which allegedly determined whether Khelif had “XY chromosomes” and thus a competitive advantage over other female competitors.
“There are numerous reasons why we won’t address this issue,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams commented. “Firstly, confidentiality. Secondly, medical concerns. Also, there was no justification for the test initially. Lastly, sharing data related to this is against international regulations.”
“The entire procedure is flawed. From the initial design of the test to how the information was communicated to us, and how it was disclosed publicly, it is so flawed that meaningful engagement is impossible.”
An image of Imane Khelif displayed on a screen in Paris on Aug. 3, 2024. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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Khelif is scheduled to compete again on Wednesday against Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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