Olympic boxer Imane Khelif shares truth behind gender rumors
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif faced intense backlash after her powerful win against Italy’s Angela Carini in the Paris Olympics 2024, with critics questioning her gender. Some claimed it was “unfair” for Khelif to compete, alleging she was not biologically female. Carini, in tears after the knockout, said the punch was too painful and quit the fight, sparking further controversy.
Khelif, the first Algerian woman to win Olympic gold in boxing, called out the misinformation and “bullying” she endured, especially from public figures and social media users who spread unfounded claims. She stressed that the scrutiny affected her mentally and emotionally, as well as her family.
Despite the attacks, Khelif firmly stated, “I’m a woman like any other woman,” and emphasized she was “fully qualified” to compete in women’s sports. She condemned the harassment, urging for an end to bullying athletes, and expressed her hope that people would be more considerate moving forward.
