Algeria’s Imane Khelif secured an Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, following a controversial journey through the competition.
The 25-year-old Imane Khelif claimed victory over Chinese boxer Yang Liu in the women’s welterweight finals on Friday in Paris, capping off an unbeaten run at the 2024 Summer Olympics with a gold medal.
“I’m very happy. For eight years, this has been my dream and I’m now the Olympic champion and gold medallist,” Khelif said after the win. “I’ve worked for eight years, no sleep, eight years tired. Now I’m Olympic champion…
“I want to thank all the people who have come to support me. All the people from Algeria and all the people at my base. I want to thank all the team, my coach. Thank you so much.”
Khelif was at the center of controversy in recent weeks over her qualification for the Olympics despite testing positive for XY chromosomes (male) at the 2023 World Championships. She reportedly suffers from Swyer Syndrome, a rare condition in which people have an XY chromosome despite having female sexual organs.
Imane Khelif silenced her detractors after winning Olympic gold, responding to the intense scrutiny and criticism she faced during the competition. Alongside Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting, Khelif was subjected to scathing criticism on social media amid speculation about their sexes. Despite the controversy, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed both fighters to compete.
Khelif made headlines early in the Olympics when she forced her opening opponent, Italy’s Angela Carini, to retire just 46 seconds into the match after a barrage of powerful strikes. She then defeated Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng to advance to the gold medal match.
During her Olympic run, Khelif publicly called for an end to the bullying directed at her and Yu-Ting. IOC President Thomas Bach also issued a statement, dismissing any speculation about their gender eligibility, affirming their right to compete. Khelif’s victory is not only a testament to her skill but also a powerful statement against the unfounded criticism she faced.
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