Imane Khelif Celebrated in Hometown After Olympic Gold Amid Controversy

Laghouat, Algeria – Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif returned to her hometown on August 18, 2024, to a hero's welcome following her victory in the women's welterweight boxing final at the Paris Olympics. Khelif secured her first Olympic medal by defeating China's Yang Liu, but her participation has sparked significant controversy regarding gender identity in sports. Critics have labeled her a "biological man," raising questions about the fairness of her competing in women's events. The 26-year-old boxer faced backlash after a particularly intense bout against Italian opponent Angela Carini, who was forced to forfeit after 46 minutes due to Khelif's powerful punches. Despite the criticism surrounding her gender, Khelif persevered and brought home the gold for Algeria, igniting a broader debate on gender verification processes in athletics. Her previous disqualification from the World Boxing Championships due to failing a gender eligibility test has only intensified scrutiny of her participation in the Olympics. Upon her return, Khelif was greeted by enthusiastic crowds in Laghouat, where she was seen celebrating atop an open-top bus, surrounded by supporters. The reception highlighted her status as a local hero, despite the ongoing discussions about her eligibility. The International Olympic Committee faced criticism for allowing Khelif to compete, but President Thomas Bach defended her participation, emphasizing that Khelif, like other athletes, has identified as a woman throughout her career.