★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★
★ To get the daily Sports Examiner Recap by e-mail: sign up here! ★
≡ IMANE KHELIF ITV INTERVIEW ≡
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won a 2022 World Championships silver in the women’s 63 kg class, was controversially disqualified from fighting in the final of the 2023 Worlds 66 kg division and then won a gold medal in Paris in the Olympic women’s 66 kg tournament.
On the way, she was accused of being a man, according to the International Boxing Association, which did not publicly share any scientific testing data, but disqualified her after she won four bouts at the 2023 Worlds. The accusations against her and fellow Paris women’s gold medalist Yu-ting Lin (TPE) were one of the enduring issues in Paris.
Khelif spoke about her situation at length in an interview with British ITV News, explaining she has a clear conscience and is looking forward to competing in Los Angeles in 2028, now that boxing will be returned to the program. She told ITV News Sports Editor Steve Scott:
‘‘I won the gold medal, which was the best response after all the bullying I was subjected to. My response during the Paris Olympics was always in the ring. And responding by winning the gold medal was even better.
“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.”
She was aware of the online abuse she received, and has filed an action against it:
“When I saw that even heads of state, famous figures, and former athletes were speaking about me without having verified facts, it shocked me.
“They were speaking just for the sake of talking, without any reliable or documented information. I also noticed on social media that people were discussing the issue without any trustworthy sources. That was what affected me the most in the beginning – why was I, Imane Khalif, the target of such a campaign?’
“It affected me mentally, as well as my family. Even my mother was deeply affected – she was going to the hospital almost every day. My relatives were also impacted, and the entire Algerian people felt the weight of the situation. This went beyond just a sporting issue or a game; it escalated into a major media campaign that could have had a severe negative effect on me, my family, and my psychological well-being.
“I was deeply affected mentally and felt discouraged, but I remained aware of what was happening. 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.”
And she shared her views on the furor surrounding her in Paris:
● As for the International Boxing Association, the source of the accusations against her:
“The IBA is not recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which means this federation lacks credibility and is not trusted within the Olympic Games… At this point, I can say that the IBA is a thing of the past.
“As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear. The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics – the injustice was exposed, and later, the truth was acknowledged by the Olympic Committee in Paris.”
● If the IOC returned to a sex-screening program in the future, using a cheek swab, would she participate?
“I have no idea about that topic. The IOC has a team of experts and specialists handling such matters. I don’t have any information on this, nor is it my place to comment on it.
“For me, I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one.
“I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four World Championships. All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles. But once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started.“
● She plans to participate in the 2025 World Boxing World Championships in Britain and aims to return to the Olympic Games in 2028. About comments from some, such as U.S. President Donald Trump, who have complained about men competing in women’s sports, she was clear:
“I will give you a straightforward answer: the U.S. 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. That is my response.
“Of course, I defend with everything I have this gold medal… I continue my dream, my everything.”
Above all, she says, she has come through her ordeal stronger:
“This experience has taught me a lot. I believe that if the old Imane operated at 50% of her potential, then the Imane Khalif of today is even more motivated and determined.
“I have learned so much from this campaign against me, and what happened at the Paris Olympics was an eye-opening experience. I feel even stronger now than I was before.”
¶
★ Receive our exclusive, weekday TSX Recap by e-mail by clicking here.
★ Sign up a friend to receive the TSX Recap by clicking here.
★ Please consider a donation here to keep this site going.
For our updated, 895-event International Sports Calendar for 2025 and beyond, by date and by sport, click here!
