Khalif Overcomes Gender Controversy: “I Hope No One Will Be Criticized Like Me” [2024 Paris Olympics]
Paris Olympics Boxing Women’s 66kg Class Gold Medal “Criticism Pouring Out on SNS Harms Human Dignity”
“I am more than qualified to participate in the Olympics.
Like other women, I was born and lived as a woman.
I have said many times whether I am a woman or not.
The criticism motivated me, and I am even happier about the gold medal thanks to their attacks.” 안전놀이터
Imane Khalif (25, Algeria), who was embroiled in a gender controversy, said this while wearing the Olympic gold medal she had dreamed of around her neck.
On the 10th, at the Roland Garros Stadium in Paris, France, Khalifa won 5-0 by unanimous decision over Yang Liu (China) in the women’s 66kg boxing final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
With this, Khalifa stands at the top of the podium with one win by disqualification and three unanimous decisions.
Khalifa, who was disqualified from the World Championships last year by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for having an “XY chromosome,” which is generally considered male, caused controversy over her gender while competing in the Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that Khalifa will not have any problems competing in the women’s boxing event, saying that gender is determined based on the passport.
After the medal ceremony, Khalifa emphasized in an official press conference, “What I want to say to the world is that everyone should follow the Olympic spirit and not slander others.”
He also expressed his hope that “there will be no one criticized like me at the Olympics in the future.”
The slander that “a man is competing in a women’s boxing match” was not limited to social media.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni questioned IOC President Thomas Bach ahead of the match between Khalif and Angela Carini (Italy) in the round of 16, saying, “It is unfair for a male athlete to compete.”
World-renowned figures such as Harry Potter series author J.K. Rowling and Tesla CEO Elon Musk also criticized Khalif’s participation.
“The criticism I received on social media was very unfair and even undermined my human dignity,” Khalif said.
“But now, people’s minds have changed.”
He added, “Now the whole world knows the story of Imane Khalif,” and “I was born in a very poor family in a very small village in Algeria, and my family was always proud of me and encouraged me to box.”
Contrary to the criticism pouring in on social media, the only thing heard at Roland Garros, where the match was held, was the chanting of “Khalif.”
A large number of Algerian fans filled the stands and chanted his name throughout the game.
“I was encouraged by the support from the audience and fans,” said Imane Khalif.
“Algerian women are known for being strong and courageous.
They came to cheer me on and sent a message to the world.”
After the press conference, where only Khalif was asked questions, there was an unusual outburst of cheers and applause.