Algerian boxer Imane Khelif secured the gold medal in women’s boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics today with a unanimous decision victory over China’s world champion Yang Liu.
The 25-year-old, who enjoyed overwhelming support from Algerian fans in the arena, delivered a commanding performance throughout the fight. As the final bell rang, Khelif, confident of her victory, celebrated by dancing in the ring before sharing a warm embrace with her opponent, who in return raised Khelif’s arm to acknowledge her victory.
Khelif’s journey to gold has been marked by controversy. After her opening bout against Italy’s Angela Carini, where Carini quit the match after 46 seconds, questions about Khelif’s sex began to circulate, with some accusing her of being a man or transgender.
Carina cited severe pain from an early punch. Her decision to quit the match, which left her in tears, sparked further speculation.
Khelif faced intense bullying due to the rumors, which escalated to the point where her father felt compelled to come forward with her birth certificate to prove she is a woman.
Despite the intense scrutiny, Khelif has received widespread support, with many rallying around her as a symbol of resilience and determination. The sports community has shown its solidarity and celebrated Khelif’s achievements.
Khelif’s journey to the final has been supported by her family and hometown of Ain Mesbah, where her father, Omar Khelif, expressed both pride and anxiety ahead of the crucial match. “We’re on edge,” he said. “But Imane is focused and optimistic. She’s a fighter.”
Mustapha Bensaou, Khelif’s former coach, praised her resilience, noting that the criticism and slander she faced have only fueled her determination. “Imane has managed to turn the attacks on her femininity into motivation,” Bensaou remarked, comparing her to other Algerian sports icons like Hassiba Boulmerka, who triumphed in the 1992 Olympics amid personal and political challenges.
