PARIS — In a remarkable turn of events at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif secured a gold medal in the women’s boxing competition, overcoming not only her opponents but also a cloud of political controversy that followed her throughout the tournament. Khelif’s victory in the 66-kilogram weight class was met with wild cheers from the crowd, and her triumph solidified her status as a trailblazer for women in sports, especially for Arab and African women. Her journey to Olympic glory, however, was anything but smooth.
The political storm surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s participation added to the pressure she faced. Yet, despite the doubts and criticism, Khelif stood tall and proud as she made history. This victory not only represents her first Olympic gold but also makes her the first Algerian boxer and the first Arab and African woman to win a boxing gold at the Olympics.
A Close Battle in the Olympic Ring
On Friday at the famous Roland-Garros Stadium in Paris, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif faced a fierce competitor, China’s Yang Liu, in a high-stakes match. The fight, lasting three intense rounds, was evenly matched, with both boxers taking turns as the aggressor. The crowd, filled with thousands of Algerian fans, roared with excitement every time Khelif landed a punch.
As the bell rang to signal the end of each round, Khelif and Yang demonstrated their sportsmanship by tapping their gloves. The match was tense, but when the judges declared Algerian boxer Imane Khelif the winner, the stadium erupted with celebration. Khelif carried on her coach’s shoulders and basked in the moment as she made a victory lap, proudly holding the Algerian flag. Her fans, many of whom had travelled from across France to support her, waved flags and chanted her name, celebrating this monumental achievement for their homeland.
Imane Khelif Stands Strong Against Critics
Despite her monumental win, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif had faced a barrage of questions about her eligibility to compete in the Olympics. Speaking after the fight, Khelif addressed the issue directly: “I’m a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, lived my life as a woman, and competed as a woman,” she said. Her words were defiant, and she made it clear that her gold medal was a response to her critics, whom she referred to as “the enemies of success.” For Khelif, winning the gold held even greater significance because of the challenges she had to overcome.
The controversy centred on claims made by the International Boxing Association (IBA), which had previously disqualified Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, alleging that she failed two gender eligibility tests in recent years. However, the IBA, which has links to Russia and was banned from the Olympics last year due to corruption concerns, refused to provide concrete proof of the test results. The conflicting and vague statements from the organisation only fueled speculation and doubt about their motives.
Political Drama Surrounding the IBA’s Actions
The timing of Khelif’s disqualification by the IBA raised questions, particularly because it came shortly after she had defeated a Russian boxer in an earlier round. Khelif didn’t hold back when discussing the situation. “They know who I am. They’ve watched my development for years. But now, they’re not recognised anymore, and they seem to hate me for reasons I don’t understand,” said Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, referring to the IBA’s status within the international boxing community.
Many observers believe that the IBA’s decision to disqualify Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, as well as Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-Ting, was politically motivated. With the IBA banned from the Olympics due to corruption, and its ties to Russia under scrutiny, there was suspicion that its actions were not purely based on sport but on external political pressures.
IOC Defends Khelif’s Right to Compete
Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), spoke out about the situation, dismissing the notion that Khelif and Lin were allowed to compete in the name of inclusion. “This is not about inclusion. Women must be allowed to compete in women’s events, and the two boxers in question are women,” said Bach.
He further emphasised that while the IOC supports gender eligibility tests that respect both science and human rights, no athlete should be disqualified based on unsupported claims. “What cannot happen,” Bach stated, “is for someone to be banned from competing just because of unverified accusations or smear campaigns from a politically motivated organisation.”
Support from Algerian Fans and the Global Community
Throughout her journey at the 2024 Olympics, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif was buoyed by overwhelming support, particularly from the Algerian community in France. Lilia Bellahsene, an Algerian-American woman living in France, shared why she and her family made sure to be there for the match: “She is a symbol of resilience and fight. We wanted to show her that we are proud, not just as Algerians but as people,” she said.
The energy at Roland-Garros Stadium was palpable as fans waved Algerian flags and cheered for their national hero. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s victory was also celebrated beyond the stadium. In Paris’ Belleville neighbourhood, where many Algerians reside, bars broadcasted the match live. At Bar Suzette, Momo Benazouz, the French-Algerian owner, tuned in to watch Algerian boxer Imane Khelif fight, drawing a crowd from neighbouring bars to witness the historic moment. When she was declared the winner, the room erupted in chants of “Imane! Imane!” as fans celebrated this proud moment for their country.
An Inspiration for Women Across the Arab World and Africa
Khelif’s gold medal win was more than just a personal achievement—it was a powerful message of inspiration for Arab and African women around the world. Zahia Elza Arrouf, an Algerian woman who watched the match wrapped in her country’s scarf, was moved by Khelif’s triumph. “She’s so strong and so brave,” Arrouf said, “and her victory gives courage to all Algerian women, to all Arab women.”
The journey to gold was challenging for Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, especially given the controversies she had to face, but her perseverance made the victory even more meaningful. She showed that no matter the obstacles, determination, and self-belief can lead to success on the world’s biggest stage.
Historic Achievement for Algeria and Africa
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s victory at the 2024 Olympics marked a historic moment not only for her but for her country. She became the first Algerian boxer to win an Olympic gold in boxing, and her win also made her the first Arab and African woman to achieve such a feat. This moment cemented her place in sports history, and it’s a victory that will inspire future generations of athletes from Algeria, the Arab world, and Africa.
Her gold was only the second medal for Algeria in these Olympic Games, with the other coming from gymnast Kaylia Nemour, who took gold in the uneven bars competition.
Conclusion
Imane Khelif’s path to Olympic gold was defined by incredible strength, resilience, and sheer determination. As an Algerian boxer, she fought not only formidable opponents in the ring but also navigated political challenges that threatened to overshadow her accomplishments. Her triumph at the 2024 Summer Olympics stands as a powerful testament to her spirit and has become a source of inspiration for women throughout the Arab world, Africa, and beyond. Khelif’s legacy as a trailblazer in women’s boxing is now firmly established. Meanwhile, fellow boxer Cindy Ngamba has also gained recognition, facing her own challenges to emerge as a rising star in the sport.
FAQs
Who is Imane Khelif?
Imane Khelif is an Algerian boxer who won the gold medal in the 66-kilogram weight class at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, making her the first Arab and African woman to win an Olympic boxing gold.
What was the controversy surrounding Imane Khelif?
Khelif faced controversy due to claims by the International Boxing Association (IBA) regarding her gender eligibility. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) supported her right to compete, dismissing the IBA’s claims.
What makes Imane Khelif’s victory historic?
Khelif’s victory was historic because she became the first Arab and African woman to win a boxing gold medal in the Olympics.
Is the Algerian boxer trans?
No, Imane Khelif has repeatedly confirmed she is a cisgender woman, and she has competed as a woman throughout her career.
Does Imane Khelif have a child?
As of now, there is no public information indicating that Imane Khelif has a child.
