Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has spoken out about the bullying and abuse she has faced due to controversy over gender eligibility at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Khelif, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting, has been targeted by online harassment and false claims about their gender, despite the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirming they meet all the criteria for competing as women.
In an interview, 25-year-old Khelif urged people to stop bullying athletes, stating the severe emotional and mental impact it can have. She emphasised the importance of upholding Olympic principles and respecting all competitors.
“I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects,” Khelif said in Arabic.
“It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying,” she added.
Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting have both advanced to the semi-finals and are guaranteed at least bronze medals.
Despite the negative attention, Khelif is focused on her goal of winning a gold medal and improving as an athlete.
“I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren’t affected deeply. They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response,” she said.
The controversy began when the International Boxing Association (IBA), which is banned from the Olympics, claimed Khelif and Lin failed gender eligibility tests. The IOC has dismissed these claims and supported the athletes.
“I couldn’t control my nerves. Because after the media frenzy and after the victory, there was a mix of joy and at the same time, I was greatly affected, because honestly, it wasn’t an easy thing to go through at all. It was something that harms human dignity,” Khelif said in the interview.
She expressed gratitude for the IOC’s support and remained determined to compete at her best.
“I know that the Olympic Committee has done me justice, and I am happy with this remedy because it shows the truth,” she said.
The Olympian said she has been dealing with the pressure of the situation while staying focused on her performance.