Imane Khelif has briefly addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding her inclusion in the Paris Olympic Games following her recent victory in the women’s welterweight boxing competition.
“I am a woman,” Khelif stated briefly to reporters in Paris after securing a spot in the semifinals by defeating Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori in three rounds. This win ensures Khelif a bronze medal at the very least, as boxing does not feature a third-place match.
Due to her eligibility status, the 25-year-old Algerian boxer has been at the centre of the debate. Khelif was allowed to compete despite failing gender eligibility tests from the International Boxing Association (IBA) last year. She has identified as female since birth, has always competed in the women’s division, and is listed as such on her passport.
The IBA, dominated by Russia and banned from overseeing Olympic boxing events last year, has not governed the sport since 2016. Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who also failed IBA gender eligibility tests, did not secure medals at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
Khelif’s recent win was overshadowed by public outcry over her participation. Angela Carini, who had previously refused to shake hands with Khelif and halted their fight after just 46 seconds, expressed regret and sympathy for Khelif, stating, “If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.”
Khelif is set to compete against Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng in the semifinals on Tuesday afternoon.
