“I am a woman like any woman. I was born a woman and I have lived as a woman but there are enemies to success and they can’t digest my success,” Khelif, 25, stated in a press conference.
Khelif emphasized her fulfilling journey and success despite facing challenges. She expressed determination to continue competing and succeeding in her sport.
Controversial Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif wins Gold
Imane Khelif secured the gold medal in women’s boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics by defeating Chinese world champion Yang Liu 5-0 in the 66kg final. This victory comes a year after Khelif was disqualified from the World Championships due to a gender eligibility controversy.
Khelif’s win was achieved by unanimous decision in the welterweight final, making her the first woman from Africa and the Arab world to win an Olympic boxing gold medal. She took an early lead in the match, dominating the first two rounds with her aggressive style and the enthusiastic support of the Roland Garros crowd. Despite Yang’s attempts to shift the momentum with her southpaw jab and sharp combinations, Khelif’s persistent pressure and powerful punches kept Yang on the defensive.
As the match continued, Yang increased her aggression in an effort to close the gap, but Khelif’s superior technique proved insurmountable. In the final round, Khelif’s dominance was clear as she won every round on all five judges’ scorecards, leading to exuberant celebrations from her supporters.
Imane Khelif was Disqualified Last Year
This victory was not only a personal achievement for Khelif but also a significant milestone. Just a year before, she had faced controversy and disqualification from the World Championships in India due to elevated testosterone levels, which led to her exclusion from the competition. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) clarified that Khelif’s disqualification was a result of elevated testosterone levels and was not related to the Olympic events in Paris.The disqualification and subsequent online harassment had cast a shadow over Khelif’s career, but she continued to advocate against the bullying. The IOC condemned the abuse, and Khelif spoke out about the potential impact of such harassment.