Olympic boxer Imane Khelif has come forward to address the issue of bullying and has sent a stern message to her detractors, finding herself at the center of controversy during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Khelif, the Algerian athlete, described the intense wave of hateful criticism regarding her gender while competing in France as ‘damaging to human dignity,’ sharing her challenging Olympic journey during an interview on Sunday night.
In Arabic to SNTV, Khelif stated, ‘I send a message to everyone around the world to uphold Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, and to refrain from bullying athletes, as this has significant consequences.’
She continued, ‘Such behavior can ruin individuals, shatter their spirit and mental state, and foster division among people. Hence, I urge everyone to avoid bullying.’
The impressive achievements of Khelif and her fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan have emerged as major highlights of the Paris Games. Both women have secured their inaugural Olympic medals amidst online harassment based on unfounded allegations concerning their gender, thrusting them into a broader conversation regarding evolving perspectives on gender identity and regulations in athletics.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is facing questions over her gender ahead of her semi-final bout
The 25-year-old came under scrutiny following her 46-second win against Italy’s Angela Carini
Khelif, 25, expressed that enduring this ordeal while competing far from home in the most significant event of her athletic career has been an immense strain.
‘I communicate with my family twice a week. I hope they haven’t been deeply affected,’ she remarked. ‘They are concerned for my well-being. God willing, this challenge will lead to a gold medal, which would be the best response.’
The backlash arises from claims made by the International Boxing Association, which has been permanently banned from the Olympics, asserting that Khelif and Lin allegedly did not pass unspecified eligibility tests for the women’s category at last year’s world championships.
Khelif opted not to respond when inquired about whether she had undergone tests aside from doping tests, stating she preferred not to discuss the matter.
She expressed her gratitude towards the International Olympic Committee and its president, Thomas Bach, for their unwavering support amidst the turmoil stirred by the banned former governing body of Olympic boxing regarding her participation in Paris.
‘I believe the Olympic Committee has given me justice, and I appreciate this resolution as it reveals the truth,’ she said.
Khelif has enjoyed tremendous support at her matches, receiving cheers upon her arrival in the arena, with crowds waving Algerian flags and chanting her name. She is slated to compete again on Tuesday in the women’s 66-kilogram semifinals at Roland Garros.
Khelif failed eligibility tests to compete in women’s boxing at the 2023 world championships
Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting has also faced criticism over her participation in women’s boxing in Paris
Khelif has firmly stated that she will not allow doubts or accusations to distract her from her goal of securing Algeria’s first Olympic gold medal in women’s boxing.
‘I don’t care about anyone’s opinions,’ Khelif declared a day after defeating Anna Luca Hamori of Hungary. ‘I am here for a medal, competing to win. I will surely strive to be better, and with God’s grace, I will improve, just like every other athlete.’
While being mindful of the global conversation regarding her, Khelif mentioned that she has largely stayed away from it.
‘Honestly, I don’t follow social media,’ she admitted. ‘There’s a mental health team that prevents us from using social media, especially during the Olympic Games, for everyone, including me. My focus is on competing and achieving a positive result.’
Khelif began her Olympic journey last Thursday with a victory over Angela Carini of Italy, who left the match after just 46 seconds. Carini later expressed regret over her decision and extended an apology to Khelif.
The abrupt conclusion of the bout fueled discussions surrounding Khelif, drawing remarks from notable figures like former US President Donald Trump and author JK Rowling, who made erroneous claims suggesting Khelif was a man or transgender.
Trump shared a clip of Khelif’s fight vs. Cerini and said he’d ‘keep men out of women’s sports’
JK Rowling said Khelif’s fights were like ‘watching a man beat a woman for entertainment’
The IOC has repeatedly affirmed Khelif and Lin’s eligibility for the Olympic Games, denouncing the unclear testing standards and lack of transparency from the IBA, which was subjected to an unprecedented complete ban from the Olympics last year.
Khelif clearly felt the significant global attention on her, and her victory over Hamori appeared to be a release of pent-up emotions. When the referee declared her the winner, she took to the center of the ring, waved to her supporters, knelt, and slapped her hand on the canvas, with her smile transforming into tears.
‘I couldn’t hold back my nerves,’ Khelif shared in an interview. ‘Because after the whirlwind of media attention and the victory, it was a mix of happiness and, at the same time, I was deeply affected, given that it was genuinely a challenging experience that harms human dignity.’
Khelif had participated in IBA events for several years without incident until she was unexpectedly suspended from last year’s world championships. The association, dominated by Russia and faced with numerous disputes with the IOC, has refused to disclose any details regarding the tests.
Algeria’s national boxing federation remains affiliated with the IBA.
Khelif (pictured front right) opened up about her childhood in an interview before the Games
Originating from a rural area in northwestern Algeria, Khelif began by playing soccer until she discovered her passion for boxing. Despite her father’s initial disapproval, she traveled 10 kilometers (approximately 6 miles) by bus to train for competitions in a nearby town.
After achieving success at the highest levels by her late teens, she faced challenges early in her competitive career before reaching an elite standard. Khelif has been a consistent, if not standout, competitor internationally for six years and suffered a defeat to eventual gold medalist Kellie Harrington from Ireland at the Tokyo Olympics.
Khelif’s next match in Paris is slated against Janjaem Suwannapheng from Thailand. Should Khelif emerge victorious once more, she will compete for the gold medal on Friday.
‘This issue speaks to the dignity and honor of every woman and female,’ she remarked briefly to an Algerian broadcaster following her victory over Hamori on Sunday.
‘The Arab community has known me for years and has witnessed my boxing journey through the IBA, which has wronged me and treated me unjustly, but I have God on my side.’
