Who is Imane Khelif?
The 25-year-old was born on May 2, 1999, in Aïn Sidl Ali, Laghouat, Algeria. Her father was a welder, but her mother’s occupation is unknown. Khelif was drawn to sports from a young age and enjoyed playing football, but, at 16 years old, got attached to boxing, having reportedly used her defensive skills to avoid punches from boys. Finding money to travel 10km to her nearest gym wasn’t easy due to her family’s financial situation and despite her father’s initial disapproval of girls participating in boxing, she carried on
Amateur career
Khelif competed at the 2018 Women’s World Championships but was eliminated in the opening round. Despite losing five of her first six bouts, she made it to the Tokyo Olympic Games and reached the quarter-final stage, where she was beaten by Ireland’s Kellie Harrington. Her results improved, and she gained second place in 2022, losing to another of Ireland’s best – Amy Broadhurst.
She gained success by winning the 2022 African Championships and the 2022 Mediterranean Games. A year later, she won gold at the Arab Games in the 66kg division.
Khelif has fought 50 times in her career, losing nine, with six coming by way of knockout.
Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Khelif has beaten Italy’s Angela Carini and Hungary’s Luca Anna Hamori to reach the semi-final stage where she will fight Janjaem Suwannapheng this evening (August 6) at 9.34pm for a spot in the gold medal bout. Khelif is already guaranteed a bronze medal having made her way through to the last four.
Why the controversy?
Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Championship because she failed to meet gender eligibility criteria. Her participation in the 2024 Olympics led to criticism against the Independent Olympic Committee, which recognises Khelif as a female athlete. Beating Carini in 46 seconds enhanced the row, which led to some politicians and celebrities believing she should not be allowed to compete.
Imane Khelif looks on as Angela Carini leaves the ring after abandoning their Women’s 66kg preliminary round match.(Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
What has Khelif said?
Questioning why there is backlash happening now, she told SNTV: “I came here with a focus on my goal, which is the Olympics. I am in the semi-finals. God willing, I will be up to the challenge in the semi-finals. And God willing, I will be able to keep it under control and pass these two stages and the semi-finals.
“I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles, according to the Olympic Charter to refrain from bullying all athletes because this thing has effects, massive effects. It can destroy people. It can kill people’s thoughts, spirit, and mind. And it can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.
“God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal and that would be the best response,” she added.
