Imane Khelif became history after winning gold in the women’s 66kg category at the 2024 Paris Olympics after beating Italy’s Angela Carini.
However, the Algerian became embroiled in controversy when her gender eligibility was called into question. She is not transgender, but reports of hormone levels exceeded the established limits. In addition, it came to light that the International Boxing Association [IBA] had disqualified her from the World Championships in 2023.
As a result, the president of the International Boxing Association went so far as to request that Khelif return the medal and have her title stripped. However, the new president of the International Olympic Committee [IOC], Kirsty Coventry, confirmed that the 26-year-old will retain her title.
Despite this, in her first major speech in her new position, Coventry revealed that they will take measures for the “protection of the women’s category“. Thus, a group of experts will be formed to watch over female athletes and bans will be imposed on transgender athletes and those with a difference in sexual development.
Khelif’s response
As this unfolded, Imane had been silent on the matter. However, this changed on June 30 when she broke her silence on her social media.
Making use of her official Instagram account, she released a strong message through her stories. Sharing a selfie, Imane wrote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
She also accompanied the post with the song “I’m Still Here” by Sia. The lyrics are more than forceful: “I’m fighting a battle, I’m fighting my shadow” begins. There, the Australian singer talks about resilience, inner struggle, not giving up, and survival.
And her future is not assured due to the new and mandatory tests imposed by the World Boxing Federation to confirm the eligibility of each athlete who wants to compete in the women’s category. Any athlete who does not pass these requirements will not be able to compete.
Undoubtedly, her fight continues even outside the ring.
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