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Olympic boxer Imane Khelif has called for an end to athlete bullying, stating that the hateful scrutiny over misconceptions about her gender “harms human dignity.” The Algerian athlete spoke out following intense international backlash.
In an interview with SNTV, Khelif urged the public to uphold Olympic principles. “Bullying athletes has massive effects,” she said in Arabic. “It can destroy people’s thoughts, spirit, and mind. It can divide people.”
According to a report on AP, Khelif and fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan have faced online abuse over unsubstantiated gender claims. Despite this, both have won their first Olympic medals, becoming central figures in the ongoing debate about gender identity in sports.
Khelif, 25, discussed the pressure of competing under such scrutiny. “I hope my family isn’t deeply affected,” she said. “God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, the best response.”
The controversy began with the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) claims that both Khelif and Lin failed unspecified eligibility tests at last year’s world championships. Khelif declined to discuss specific tests beyond doping.
Expressing gratitude to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and its president, Thomas Bach, Khelif noted their support. “The Olympic Committee has done me justice, showing the truth,” she said.
Despite the backlash, Khelif received strong support at her bouts, with fans cheering and waving Algerian flags. She competes in the women’s 66-kilogram semifinals at Roland Garros on Tuesday.
“I came here for a medal,” Khelif stated, determined to win Algeria’s first Olympic gold in women’s boxing. She also revealed she avoids social media for mental health reasons during the Olympics.
Khelif’s Olympic journey began with a victory over Angela Carini of Italy, who abandoned the bout after 46 seconds. This unusual end fueled further speculation and false claims from notable figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and author J.K. Rowling.
The IOC has repeatedly affirmed Khelif and Lin’s qualifications to participate, criticizing the IBA’s opaque testing standards and governance. Khelif’s victory over Anna Luca Hamori of Hungary was particularly emotional, highlighting the toll of global scrutiny.
“I couldn’t control my nerves,” Khelif admitted. “The media frenzy and victory mixed joy with deep emotional impact. It wasn’t easy; it harms human dignity.”
Despite previous success in IBA events, Khelif faced abrupt suspension last year without explanation. Algeria’s national boxing federation remains an IBA member.
Khelif, from rural northwestern Algeria, switched from soccer to boxing, overcoming her father's objections to train. She struggled early but has been a consistent international competitor, losing to eventual gold medalist Kellie Harrington in Tokyo.
Khelif's next match is against Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand. A win would place her in the gold medal bout on Friday.
“This issue concerns the dignity and honor of every woman,” Khelif told an Algerian broadcaster. “The Arab population knows me and has seen my fight for fairness. I have God on my side.”
[Information sourced from AP]
