Shafaq News/ Algerian Olympic boxingchampion Imane Khelif announced her intention to compete at the 2028 LosAngeles Games, despite the controversy surrounding her participation in Paris,where she won gold amid a heated gender eligibility debate.
Speaking to ITV News, Khelif said she was“mentally affected” by the backlash, which she described as a “campaign”against her. “I won the gold medal,” she said, pointing out that it “was thebest response after all the bullying she was subjected to.”
The controversy escalated when publicfigures, including Elon Musk, JK Rowling, and US President Donald Trump,questioned her eligibility. Their remarks fueled widespread online attacks,with Rowling posting on X that Khelif was “enjoying the distress of a woman HEhas just punched in the head.”
Khelif criticized the involvement ofhigh-profile figures, stating that many commented without verifying facts.“They were speaking just for the sake of talking, without any reliable ordocumented information… that was what affected me the most in the beginning.”The scrutiny also affected her family, particularly her mother, who reportedlyrequired hospital care due to stress.
Responding to Trump’s comments ontransgender athletes, she said, “I am not transgender. This does not concernme, and it does not intimidate me. That is my response.”
In 2023, Khelif was disqualified from theWorld Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) based onblood tests that reportedly made her ineligible for the female category.However, no details were provided on the findings.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC),which oversaw the Paris boxing competition, rejected the IBA’s ruling and allowedKhelif to compete, as she had in previous events without issue.
While the eligibility debate continues,Khelif’s status as a role model in the Arab world has grown. “Being an Olympicchampion, a Muslim, and an Arab is something truly special, especially in asport like boxing, where the majority of athletes are men,” she noted.
Khelif believes the controversy has onlymade her stronger. “If the old Imane operated at 50% of her potential, then theImane Khelif of today is even more motivated and determined.”
“What happened at the Paris Olympics wasan eye-opening experience. I feel even stronger now than I was before.”
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Khelif defiant: 2028 Olympics after gender debate )
Also on site :
- EU queen Ursula preached transparency – then did backdoor deals with Big Pharma
- Robert Irwin Goes Red Carpet Official With Lucky Lady: 'It's a Big Step'
- Walmart Is Selling an 'Amazing' $55 Portable Closet for Just $30, and Shoppers Say It's 'Easy to Assemble'