Algerian boxer Imane Khelif shared a powerful and defiant message after winning the gold medal in the women’s welterweight (66kg) final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Khelif, who has been at the center of a gender-based controversy throughout the games, defeated China’s Yang Liu in the final to become the first Algerian woman to claim Olympic boxing gold. Despite her success, Khelif faced significant scrutiny, with critics questioning her eligibility due to concerns over potential testosterone advantages, a claim the International Olympic Committee (IOC) criticized as deeply flawed.
After her victory, Khelif addressed the controversy head-on, stating, “Whether I qualify or not, or 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. I am a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, I lived a woman, I competed as a woman.” She also spoke about the online vitriol she faced, describing those who doubted her as “enemies of success” and expressing pride in her achievements despite the attacks.
Khelif’s father also defended her, providing her birth certificate to prove she was born female. Even IOC President Thomas Bach supported her, emphasizing that Khelif is a woman and fully eligible to compete in women’s boxing. Despite the intense scrutiny, Khelif did not lose a single round throughout her Olympic campaign, reinforcing her status as a top-tier athlete.
In her post-victory remarks, Khelif reflected on the impact of social media criticism, stating that it now felt “meaningless” to her. She concluded by sending a message with her gold medal, asserting that her dignity and honor are paramount, and lamenting that she doesn’t understand why some people “hate” her. Khelif’s triumph is a testament to her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
