Imane Khelif has expressed her determination to defend her Olympic boxing title in Los Angeles and has dismissed recent comments made about her by the U.S. president. The Algerian boxer, who secured gold in Paris amid controversy and significant media attention, is setting her sights on repeating her victory in 2028.
During an interview, Khelif addressed claims made about her identity, stating unequivocally that such comments do not concern or intimidate her. She emphasized that she is focused on her career and aspirations, making it clear that she is undeterred by external distractions.
Interrupting a question about her goals, she confidently declared her ambition to claim a second gold medal, this time on American soil. Her victory in Paris, along with that of another athlete, sparked debate on gender eligibility, drawing commentary from various public figures.
Following the controversy, she initiated legal action related to online harassment, citing the significant impact the media scrutiny had on her mental well-being. The backlash extended to her family, with her mother requiring frequent hospital visits due to the stress caused by the situation.
The dispute originated after a governing body disqualified Khelif and another competitor from a major championship based on certain eligibility tests. However, a subsequent decision by the International Olympic Committee overturned those findings, allowing them to compete in Paris.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Khelif asserted that she had nothing to fear, as the truth had been revealed on the Olympic stage. She stated that she has always identified as a woman, having competed in numerous international tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and four world championships, well before her rise to prominence.
She noted that criticisms only began once she started achieving significant success, pointing to a pattern of targeted scrutiny against her. Despite the challenges, she remains focused on her future in the sport and is determined to continue competing at the highest level.
A senior official within the Olympic movement recently commented on the controversy, attributing it to misinformation and external influence. The official emphasized that both athletes had consistently competed as women throughout their careers and should be recognized accordingly.
As Khelif prepares for the next stage of her journey, she remains committed to her sport, determined to prove herself once again in the ring. Her focus is firmly on the future, as she looks ahead to the next Olympic cycle with confidence and resilience.
