Imane Khelif Opens Up About Gender Criticism

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has expressed her distress over the international backlash following her first-round bout at the 2024 Olympic Games, which lasted just 46 seconds. The controversy intensified when prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk, made comments that misgendered her. Khelif stated, “This thing that affected me, I’m not lying to you, it affected me,” highlighting the emotional toll the situation has taken on her. The uproar began after Khelif won a gold medal by defeating China’s Yang Liu, prompting Trump to refer to her as “he” during a campaign rally in Montana. He criticized the match, suggesting that the Italian boxer, Angela Carini, was unprepared for the encounter. Trump’s remarks, along with Musk’s engagement with a tweet that supported Carini’s stance against transgender athletes in women’s sports, fueled the controversy further. Khelif, in a recent interview, expressed her reluctance to engage in the political discourse surrounding sports but felt compelled to address the situation. She emphasized that the political figures involved do not have the right to label her as transgender, asserting her identity amidst the scrutiny. The boxer’s experience has sparked discussions about gender identity in sports, raising questions about the intersection of athletics and politics. As the fallout continues, Khelif remains focused on her achievements while navigating the complexities of public perception and identity in the sporting world.