Controversial Boxer Wins Gold at the 2024 Olympics
Imane Khelif of Algeria made history by securing the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal after a decisive victory against China’s Yang Liu in the women’s 66kg boxing final at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Hundreds of passionate fans flocked to Roland Garros on August 9th, waving Algerian flags. Despite many not being avid boxing followers, they came to support Khelif amid the wave of criticism and gender debates that surrounded her throughout the games.
Similar to her previous rounds, where she dominated Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori in the quarterfinals and Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng in the semifinals, Khelif showcased her superior skills, winning the final by a unanimous 5-0 decision. This victory not only marked her as Algeria’s first female Olympic medalist but also as a proud Olympic champion.
“I’ve dreamed of this medal for the past eight years, and now, I am an Olympic champion,” Khelif expressed with pride, thanking the supporters who filled the stadium to cheer her on.
Khelif’s jubilation was evident as she leaped with joy in the ring, posed for photos, and embraced her coach, who lifted her onto his shoulders, parading her around the ring as the crowd erupted in applause. She then celebrated by waving the Algerian flag handed to her by a fan, symbolizing her historic triumph.
During the medal ceremony, Khelif blew kisses and waved to the crowd, tears welling in her eyes as she kissed the gold medal draped around her neck. The entire arena joined her in singing Algeria’s national anthem, creating a memorable and emotional atmosphere. Afterward, Khelif and the other medalists proudly raised their hands and captured the moment with a commemorative photo.
Khelif’s journey to Olympic gold was anything but smooth, facing intense criticism from fans and public figures alike, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, author J.K. Rowling, and billionaire Elon Musk.
The controversy began when Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Championship final due to elevated testosterone levels, which exceeded the acceptable threshold. The International Boxing Association (IBA) intervened, conducting a DNA test that revealed Khelif possesses XY chromosomes, which they claimed gave her an “unfair advantage” over other female athletes.
However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed Khelif to compete at Paris 2024 as a female athlete, validating her gender through her passport and medical documentation, consistent with the procedures used at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and other international competitions.
In a recent interview, Khelif urged the public to stop the criticism, stating that such negativity could “destroy a person, kill their thoughts, spirit, and mind.” She viewed her Olympic gold in boxing as the ultimate response to the pressure and gender controversies, and she achieved that goal.
Khelif’s remarkable journey has inspired many. “A week ago, I knew nothing about boxing,” said Belabed, an Algerian living in Paris, who attended the final. “But I’m here because of what happened to Khelif. I believe she became a scapegoat in a politically charged situation, while all she wanted was to play sports.”
Similarly, Agnes Lipeb, who came from Versailles, France, admitted she didn’t know the rules of boxing but felt compelled to support Khelif. “The abuse and bullying that Khelif endured from the world are outrageous,” Lipeb remarked. “I feel she needs more love than ever before.”
