Who would have thought that an athlete would have to face questions about her gender at the world’s biggest sporting event, the Olympics? But this was the reality for Algeria’s Imane Khelif, who stood strong against adversity and challenges to win the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The controversy began after she ended Italian boxer Angela Carini’s Olympic campaign in a dramatic fashion. Carini withdrew from the bout in the first round, falling to her knees and crying in the ring.
Soon after, the controversy followed as netizens questioned Khelif’s participation in the women’s category, citing her disqualification from the IBA World Championships the previous year due to failing gender eligibility tests.
Despite this, Khelif has been vindicated. Her family provided official documents and school pictures to the media, proving that she is indeed a woman. Now, after her triumphant victory at the Olympics, she has the world at her feet. Just a week ago, the people of Algeria celebrated her win as Khelif was paraded through the streets of her hometown in an open-top bus. “The height of pride and honor is in representing your country and raising its flag high. It is an even greater joy to share that pride with your family, loved ones, and community,” she stated.
In addition to the overwhelming love and support from her fellow countrymen, Khelif is also receiving endorsement and sponsorship deals. Recently, Chery, a car manufacturing giant and an offshoot of General Motors, valued at $55.13 billion, decided to endorse the Algerian gold medalist boxer. In a recent video posted by Chery’s official representative in Algeria, Khelif can be seen stepping into their new model, the Arrizo 8.
“Champion Iman Khelif 🥇 writes new chapters of success behind the wheel. Arrizo 8, the choice of champions 🏆. The power of performance meets the determination of the champion. Iman Khelif chooses Arrizo 8 to accompany her every step towards the top,” reads the caption accompanying the video posted by Chery Algeria.
As Khelif got comfortable in the driver’s seat of her new car, she was approached by an interviewer who asked her some rapid-fire questions. After exchanging the usual pleasantries, the interviewer inquired about her future plans. Khelif responded, “I’m now aiming for a world championship. It’s my dream, and I’ll continue to train to get there.”
Khelif’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Notably, she was disqualified from the International Boxing Association’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi in 2023 after a sex chromosome test ruled her ineligible for the women’s category. However, if the IBA allows her to participate in this year’s competition in Astana, Kazakhstan, in October, she will be determined to win the competition and prove her critics wrong once again.
And who knows? Maybe Khelif will decide to turn professional after that and aim to conquer world titles in the pro boxing circuit as well. Her story has just begun, and her journey continues to inspire many around the world. Do you think Khelif can win the IBA 2024 Women’s World Championships? Let us know in the comments below.
