Imane Khelif sets her sights on the 2028 Olympics
A Strong Response to Attacks from the Top of the U.S. Government
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the -66 kg category, has announced that she is actively preparing for the Los Angeles Games in 2028. This declaration comes amidst a wave of controversy, fueled by allegations about her gender identity, including claims made by the U.S. President.
“I’ll give you a direct answer: the President of the United States issued a decree concerning transgender policy in America. I am not transgender, this does not concern me and it does not intimidate me. That’s my answer,” she said during an interview with British channel ITV News, firmly rejecting the allegations.
A Controversial Presidential Measure Rekindles the Debate
In early February, the American president introduced a legal measure aimed at banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s competitions. In this context, he directly targeted Imane Khelif, accusing her of being born male and undergoing a transition. He warned that his administration would “not stand idly by” during the Los Angeles Games, denouncing what he described as the unfairness of “men beating female athletes.” These comments sparked intense reactions and reignited a global debate on inclusion and sporting regulations.
An Athlete Strengthened by the Ordeal
At 25 years old, Imane Khelif says she has drawn great strength from this difficult experience. When asked about her sporting ambitions, she responded confidently: “A second gold medal, of course. In America, in Los Angeles.” She added: “This experience taught me a lot. I believe the former Imane was boxing at 50% of her potential—today’s Imane Khelif is much more motivated and far more determined.” Referring to the criticism she faced in Paris, she concluded: “I feel even stronger than I was before.”
Read also : Trump Urges IOC Ban on Transgender Athletes
Ongoing IOC Support Amid the Controversy
Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, who also medaled in Paris in the -57 kg category, found themselves at the center of a debate fueled by public figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Both had been excluded from the 2023 World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA), despite their regular participation in female categories. In response to these exclusions and other governance issues, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) withdrew its recognition of the IBA, citing its lack of financial transparency and ethical failures.
A New Era for Olympic Boxing
In response to the crisis, the IOC “provisionally” recognized a new entity, World Boxing, created in 2023 to oversee the boxing events at the 2028 Olympic Games. This initiative aims to ensure a fairer and more transparent sporting environment. For athletes like Imane Khelif, this transition represents an opportunity to continue their careers in a more just framework, despite external controversies.
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