Imane Khelif Celebrated in Hometown After Olympic Triumph

TIARET, Algeria (AP) — Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif received a hero's welcome in her hometown of Tiaret on Friday, where she expressed gratitude for Algeria's support of its athletes. The celebration followed her return to Algiers earlier this week, highlighting the pride the nation feels for her achievements. Khelif, alongside fellow athlete Djamel Sedjati, was honored by local officials and paraded through the streets on a city bus, as hundreds of residents cheered and took photos. Khelif's journey to Olympic success was not without challenges, particularly as she faced scrutiny regarding her gender during the Games. Despite being born and raised as a woman, she became a focal point in international debates about gender and sports after failing eligibility tests from the now-banned International Boxing Association. This controversy drew attention from high-profile figures, including Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling, who referred to her as a man, prompting a strong defense from her fellow Algerians. Residents of Tiaret acknowledged the difficulties Khelif encountered and expressed hope that her victory would lead to ongoing support from authorities. Local resident Nadjia Fehma praised Khelif as an inspiration, emphasizing the pride her success brings to the community. "Why was there such an outcry all over the world?" Fehma questioned, reflecting on the global reaction to Khelif's achievements. The sentiment in Tiaret is clear: Khelif's triumph is seen as a symbol of resilience and national pride.