Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif has finally spoken out about the intense scrutiny and misinformation she endured during the Paris Games.
In her first interview since winning the gold medal in the women’s 66-kilogram category, Khelif discussed the emotional toll that false claims questioning her gender took on her.
The controversy arose after Khelif’s Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew just seconds into their match, fueling rumors that Khelif was transgender or even male. Despite the International Olympic Committee defending her and condemning the spread of misinformation, the situation quickly escalated, with public figures like Donald Trump, J.K. Rowling, and Elon Musk making critical comments online.
“It affected me deeply, it hurt me a lot. I can’t describe the fear I felt,” Khelif said in her interview with Algerian news channel El Bilad. “Thank God, everyone in Algeria and the Arab world knows me for my femininity, courage, and determination.”
Imane Khelif, 25, expressed her dismay at the intrusion of politics into sports. “Honestly, I don’t like mixing politics with sports, but they brought politics into sports. They have no right to claim I’m transgender. This is a huge insult to my family, to Algeria, and to all Arab women. The whole world knows I am a Muslim girl”, she stated.
Imane Khelif Seeking Justice
In response to the issue, Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, has filed a legal complaint with the Paris prosecutor’s office, which has launched an investigation into the online hate campaign. The charges include cyber harassment, public insults, and incitement to discrimination.
The public comments from figures like Trump, Rowling, and Musk were especially painful for Khelif. She said they attacked her identity and cultural values. “If someone apologizes, I will accept it. But to those who won’t, I say: I am a female, and I will remain a female, and my honor comes before everything.”
AfrikPage
