In the clip above, you can hear Imane Khelif and see her being celebrated at home in Algeria.
Imane Khelif took home the Olympic gold in boxing’s 66kg class, but her participation in Paris was called into question because she was accused of being a man – even though she was born a woman and has competed against women for years, including at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago then.
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The story began in 2023 during a World Cup organized by the Russian-led IBA (International Boxing Association). Khelif then won over the Russian boxer Azalia Amineva, who had been undefeated until then. But the organizer IBA canceled the win, citing that they had done a gender test which showed that Imane Khelif is too masculine to compete against women.
However, the gender test has been questioned as the result has never been made public, and the IBA organization itself has been expelled from the IOC (International Olympic Committee) due to corruption.
Great support at home in Algeria
At home in Algeria, however, the support has been great for Imane Khelif.
In the hometown of Tiaret, a large parade has now been held where the golden hero was praised by the people and celebrated with flowers and other gifts.
– We are not surprised by this welcome. The Algerian people are happy. We fought to raise the Algerian flag high in Paris, says her coach Mohamed Chaoua to the AP news agency.
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Watch as Imane Khelif takes home the Olympic gold in boxing and the wild celebration. Photo: Kanal 5/Max/TT