Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s gender stirred a long debate during the Paris 2024 Olympics, but after beating China’s Yang Lui in the 66kg category contest for the gold, she told off her critics.
Khelif won the gold via unanimous decision after all five judges scored the match 10-9 in her favour in all rounds.
At the start of the competition her gender was question; particularly when the International Boxing Federation clarified that she is not eligible to contest because of her elevated level of testosterone. But the IOC which does not recognise the IBF ruled that she was free to fight for the medals at stake at the Olympics. She endured bullying throughout the competition but was unfazed as she beat every opponent, she faced on her way to winning the gold medal.
“As for whether I qualify or not, whether I’m a woman or not – I have made many statements in the media – I am fully qualified to take part in this competition,” she said.
“I’m a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, I lived a woman, I competed as a woman. There’s no doubt about that.”
