Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has vowed to defend her Olympic title at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, despite facing intense scrutiny over her gender eligibility.
Khelif, who won gold in the welterweight division at the Paris Olympics, became the center of a heated debate after accusations surfaced regarding her eligibility to compete in women’s boxing.
The controversy saw her criticized by prominent figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, and best-selling author J.K. Rowling.
Despite the backlash, Khelif remains resolute in her stance, stating that she refuses to be intimidated by political rhetoric.
“The US President issued a decision related to transgender policies in America. I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me,” she told ITV in a recent interview.
The controversy surrounding Khelif stems from her disqualification from the 2023 World Championships, where claims were made that she failed gender eligibility tests.
However, she went on to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing gold despite facing intense criticism.
Trump recently reignited the debate by signing an executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” where he referred to Khelif as a “male boxer” who had “transitioned” and allegedly “stole the women’s gold medal after brutalizing his female opponent.”
However, Khelif has remained unwavering in her response.
“I have learned so much from this campaign against me, and what happened at the Paris Olympics was an eye-opening experience,” she stated.
She further emphasized that the victory was about more than just the medal itself.
“I believe the gold medal at the Paris Olympics was the best medal of the entire Games.
It was a victory that held significance on every level—ethical, athletic, and even in terms of sportsmanship.”
While Khelif has remained strong publicly, she admitted that the controversy had taken a toll on her personal life, particularly affecting her mother.
“Even my mother was deeply affected—she was going to the hospital almost every day,” she revealed.
The boxer also shared how the scrutiny and online attacks nearly led to mental exhaustion.
“This went beyond just a sporting issue or a game. I was deeply affected mentally and felt discouraged, but I remained aware of what was happening,” she admitted.
She credited a team of medical professionals for helping her navigate the mental strain during the Olympics.
“Even during the Paris Olympics, I had a team of specialist doctors who provided me with support and assistance. Without their support, I might have fallen into a spiral of depression.”
In response to the backlash, Khelif has taken legal steps to combat the alleged cyberbullying she faced.
Last year, she reportedly filed a criminal complaint against several high-profile figures, including Rowling and Musk, for their public statements regarding her participation in women’s boxing.
The legal battle, coupled with her triumph in Paris, has positioned Khelif as a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Khelif remains focused on the future.
She is determined to defend her Olympic crown in Los Angeles and prove that she belongs in the ring.
“I feel even stronger now than I was before. If the old Imane operated at 50 percent of her potential, then the Imane Khelif of today is even more motivated and determined,” she declared.
Her resilience in the face of global scrutiny has made her story one of the most compelling narratives in Olympic history.
Khelif’s journey is expected to inspire many young athletes, proving that perseverance and self-belief can overcome even the harshest criticism.
