Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer who previously failed a gender test, secured at least a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics after defeating Hungarian fighter Anna Luca Hamori in the 66-kilogram fight. Despite the controversy surrounding Khelif’s gender eligibility, which resulted in her disqualification from the 2023 Women’s World Championships, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach defended her participation in the women’s division bouts. The Algerian Olympic Committee filed a complaint with the IOC regarding online harassment directed at Khelif, calling it a violation of sports ethics and the Olympic Charter. Additionally, the Algerian team warned that they reserved the right to prosecute those involved in the negative campaign against their boxer.
Khelif’s win over Hamori means she will not have to fight in a bronze medal match, as there are no such fights in the Olympic boxing competition. This guarantees her at least a bronze medal, regardless of the outcome of her semifinal match against Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng. The controversy surrounding Khelif has brought attention to social media hate speech and aggression directed at her, prompting Bach to condemn such behavior as unacceptable. Despite the backlash, Khelif has continued to compete and advance in the Olympic boxing tournament.
Following her victory over Hamori, Khelif faced Italy’s Angela Carini in the quarterfinals. Carini abandoned the match just 46 seconds into the round of 16, leading to Khelif’s advancement in the competition. Despite the ongoing controversy and protests from various parties, including Hamori’s own federation, the Algerian boxer remains focused on her performance in the ring. Hamori, the defeated Hungarian fighter, expressed her readiness for the fight and dismissed the press story and social media chatter surrounding Khelif, emphasizing her determination and focus on the boxing match ahead.
The Algerian team’s defense of Khelif and their stance against online harassment highlights the challenges faced by athletes in the public eye, particularly in cases involving gender eligibility controversy. The IOC’s support of Khelif’s participation in the women’s division bouts underscores the importance of inclusion and fairness in sports, while also acknowledging the need to address harassment and abuse directed at athletes. Khelif’s journey to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics showcases her resilience and determination in the face of adversity, as she continues to compete at the highest level of boxing despite the controversy surrounding her gender eligibility.
