Controversial boxer Imane Khelif wins gold at Paris Olympics

Algeria’s Imane Khelif has won gold in the women’s 66kg boxing division, defeating China’s Yang Liu by unanimous decision on Friday at the Paris Olympics.

The boxer has been the centre of significant controversy over the past fortnight due to questions over her gender eligibility.

“It is my dream. I am very happy,” Khelif said after winning gold.

“It is fantastic. Amazing.

“Eight years of work, no sleep. I want to thank all of the people in Algeria.

“I am very happy for my performance. I am a strong woman.”

Khelif was a heavy favourite to win the division ahead of the competition starting, with boxing bookmakers putting her at -500 to claim gold.

She lived up to expectations, with all five judges awarding her the victory on Friday.

Why has Imane Khelif been controversial?

Controversy first erupted around Khelif when footage emerged of her opening fight against Italian Angela Carini.

Carini withdrew from their fight in less than a minute, citing the most intense pain she has ever felt, and saying she has never been hit so hard.

Afterwards, she cried and refused to shake Khelif’s hand, saying, “It’s not fair, it’s not fair.”

Despite Khelif being born and raised as a woman, she failed a gender eligibility test issued by the International Boxing Association ahead of the 2023 World Championship.

However, the Olympics did not recognise the same gender testing standards and allowed Khelif to participate.

“We have two boxers who are born as women, who have been raised as women, who have a passport as a woman and have competed for many years as women,” said International Olympics Committee president Thomas Bach on the matter.

This sparked significant debate online about whether Khelif should be allowed to fight at the Paris Olympics.

“That also gives my success a special taste because of those attacks,” Khelif said.

“We are in the Olympics to perform as athletes, and I hope that we will not see any similar attacks in future Olympics.”

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