Boxer Imane Khelif has gained overwhelming support and admiration online after a recent viral video showcased her stunning appearance outside the boxing ring. This 25-year-old athlete’s journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics faced controversy when she defeated Italy’s Angela Carini on August 1.
Carini, overwhelmed by the match, withdrew only 46 seconds into the fight, falling to her knees in tears. She allegedly claimed, “It’s not fair,” and refused to shake Khelif’s hand when it was announced that she would not be advancing to the next round. This moment caused a storm of outrage on social media, capturing the attention of well-known figures such as Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and J.K. Rowling.
While Khelif faced gender controversy during her Olympic run, she has always competed in women’s boxing, listed as a female on her passport. Concerns were raised about potential advantages due to testosterone levels, leading to Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting being banned from last year’s world championships for failing to meet gender eligibility criteria. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) criticized those tests as flawed and subsequently barred the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to governance issues, alleged corruption, and ties to Russia.
Despite the public scrutiny and widespread misinformation, Khelif persevered and reached the women’s welterweight (66kg) final on August 10, where she emerged victorious against China’s Yang Liu. After becoming the first Algerian woman to claim a boxing gold medal, Khelif responded defiantly to her critics, declaring, “Whether I qualify or not, or whether I’m a woman or not, I have made many statements in the media.” She emphasized her eligibility and identity as a woman, stating, “There are enemies of success – this is what I call them.”
Khelif firmly believes that her honor remains intact and asserts that social media vitriol is now meaningless. She highlighted the impact on people’s dignity and the changing mindset of the public. As for the IBA, she stated that she has been boxing under their umbrella since 2018, with the organization being familiar with her abilities, growth, and overall development.
After her monumental victory, Khelif underwent a stunning makeover that left many fans in awe. A video shared on Beauty Code’s Instagram page showcases her transformation, featuring her in different outfits and hairstyles. Fans flooded the comment section with compliments, praising her beauty and radiance. Supporters emphasized her inner and outer beauty, with one person expressing, “Her beauty is unique,” and another exclaiming, “She’s sooo prettyyyy bro y’all just some haters.” The overwhelming response showcased the love and admiration that people have for Khelif, not only for her athletic achievements but also for her grace and charm.
In the face of online harassment, Khelif has taken a stand by filing a criminal complaint in France, specifically naming Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling. The complaint addresses the cyber harassment, gender-based insults, and incitement to discrimination that she experienced during her time at the Olympics. The National Center for the Fight Against Online Hatred prosecutor’s office is conducting an investigation into these matters and will also scrutinize Donald Trump’s involvement based on his tweets.
Imane Khelif has shown tremendous strength, resilience, and grace throughout her journey. She continues to inspire others with her achievements and unwavering spirit. We wish her the best as she moves forward, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of boxing and beyond.
