Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has pretty much been quiet ever since social media erupted and stated that she was a transgender boxer facing off against women at the Paris Olympics.
Despite what many think, there are zero transgenders or men fighting women at the Olympics.
Khelif is one of two female boxers at the Summer Games who were disqualified from competing at the 2023 World Championships due to testosterone levels. That alone caused an uproar on social media over their genders.
After initially being quiet about the speculation surrounding her, Khelif spoke to SNTV, a sports video partner with The Associated Press.
The Associated Press reported that they asked Imane Khelif “whether she had undergone tests other than doping tests.”
However, Khelif would refuse to answer, reportedly saying “she didn’t want to talk about it.”
Khelif, as well as fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting, have been at the center of controversy over unsubstantiated claims about their gender.
Imane Khelif has received the most backlash following his bout against Italian boxer Angela Carini, who bowed out of her match in just 46 seconds after two punches.
Khelif will be back in action this week. On Wednesday, she will face Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng in a semifinal match.
Imane Khelif Sends Message To People To Stop Bullying
Imane Khelif spoke with reporters this week amid heavy backlash that she was transgender.
Khelif, who is assured of a medal at the Summer Olympics and could go for gold this week, made it clear that she is a woman while speaking about people who are constantly engaging in bullying.
“I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects,” Khelif told SNTV. “It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.”
She added: “I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren’t affected deeply. They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response.”
