According to the Algerian Olympic Committee [COA], Imane Khelif was born female and had every right to compete at the Olympics.
The COA says Khelif, backed up by Labour MP Nadia Whittome, has done nothing wrong by competing despite the International Boxing Association’s previous suspension.
The COA blamed misinformation in a statement defending Khelif’s victory over Angela Carini, in which the Italian withdrew after feeling the Algerian’s power.
“COA strongly condemns the unethical targeting and maligning of our esteemed athlete, Imane Khelif, with baseless propaganda from certain foreign media outlets,” they stated. “Such attacks on her personality and dignity are deeply unfair, especially as she prepares for the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics.
“The COA has taken all necessary measures to protect our champion.”
Imane Khelif was born female
MP Whittome added, “Imane Khelif was assigned female at birth. She’s spoken about being initially banned from boxing by her dad, who said it wasn’t for girls.
“The attacks on her show that transphobia doesn’t only hurt trans people but also other women who don’t fit conventional ideas of femininity.”
Reliable sources also noted that Khelif had not made any gender changes throughout her life, contrary to several other reports.
The IOC released a statement on Khelif and fellow boxer Lin Yu-Ting, who is in a similar situation at Paris 2024.
Part of it read, “Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination. All athletes participating in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 boxing tournament comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit [PBU].”
Angela Carini defended
Meanwhile, Italian Family Minister Eugenia Roccella defended Carini after her Olympic dream was shattered in 46 seconds.
“Surprisingly, there are no certain, strict, uniform criteria at the international level,” Roccella said. “There can be a suspicion, and far more than a suspicion, of an unfair and potentially dangerous contest for one of the contenders at the Olympics, an event that symbolizes sporting fairness.”
Sports Minister Andrea Abodi called for fair competition to return to the Olympic Games.
“In the event that represents the highest values of sport, the safety of female and male athletes and respect for fair competition must be guaranteed. That is not how it will be tomorrow for Angela Carini.”
Khelif is through to the Quarter-Finals at 66kg and will fight Hungarian Luca Anna Hamori on Saturday.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
