Imane Khelif Criticized by Ex-Opponent
- Imane Khelif files official complaint post her gold medal win at Paris Olympics.
- Former opponent, Anja Stridsman, criticizes Imane Khelif prior to her Olympic bout.
- Imane Khelif's legal team responds to the abuse received after the victory.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has initiated legal action against online harassment, filing charges in Paris for "aggravated online harassment." This move comes after Khelif's recent victory in the welterweight final against China's Yang Liu, which has been overshadowed by a wave of online hate directed at her, particularly following a gender test controversy at the previous Women's World Championships. The situation escalated after Khelif's decisive win over Italy's Angela Carini, who withdrew from their match just 46 seconds in, claiming the outcome was "unjust." Carini later expressed regret and acknowledged Khelif's skill, highlighting the intense scrutiny surrounding Khelif's participation in women's events at the Paris Games. Prominent figures, including Elon Musk and JK Rowling, have joined the social media discourse, criticizing Khelif's involvement. In a heartfelt plea, Khelif urged the public to uphold Olympic values and refrain from bullying athletes, emphasizing the detrimental effects such harassment can have on individuals. Her coach, Nabil Boudi, condemned the "iniquitous harassment" Khelif faced, labeling it a significant blemish on the Olympic Games. Former opponents of Khelif, including Anja Stridsman and Amy Broadhurst, have defended her, dismissing the criticism as ignorant and emphasizing that Khelif's circumstances are beyond her control. Despite being disqualified from the 2023 World Championships due to chromosome presence, Khelif has not identified as transgender or intersex, and her recent performances continue to spark debate within the boxing community.