The Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif decided to break the silence after the wave of questions that circulated in recent days regarding her gender. In her first statements during her participation in the Olympic Games held in Paris, asked that it be put End the harassment of athletes after facing a wave of comments over misconceptions about her gender.
In communication with SNTVThe athlete insisted that comments such as those that arose from her appearance at the Olympic Games have “massive effects” and can “destroy people.”
“I send a message to all people in the world to respect the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from harassing all athletes, because this has effects, great effects. “It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind,” Khelif lamented.
He also called for put an end to bullying: “It can divide people. And that’s why I ask you to refrain from bullying,” the boxer said.
“I know that the Olympic Committee has done me justice and I am happy with this remedy because it shows the truth,” Khelif said while acknowledging the pressure surrounding the ordeal. “I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope they have not been deeply affected. They are worried about me.” God willing, this crisis will end with a gold medal, and that would be the best response,” he said.
Hyperandrogynous athletes: the debate behind the controversy with boxer Imane Khelif
The victories of Khelif and his fellow boxer Lin Yu-Tingfrom Taiwan, in the ring in Paris have become one of the biggest stories of the Paris Games, and at the same time, one of the most controversial due to the questions about their gender, both from their opponents and from sports figures, which is why they were victims of multiple attacks. Despite everything, both women secured their first Olympic medals.
Female boxers are the cases that have resonated the most hyperandrogenic athletes at these Games. Three years ago, both participated in the Tokyo Olympics but in 2023 they were disqualified from the World Championships for not passing gender eligibility tests, a decision taken by the International Boxing Federation (IBA).
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However the International Olympic Committeewhich took over the organization of Olympic boxing due to a lack of transparency in the IBA, assured that all female boxers “comply with the eligibility rules of the competition”. “The testosterone test “It’s not a perfect test. Many women can have testosterone levels equal to or similar to men, while still being women,” the spokesperson said. IOC, Mark Adam.
Khelif and Yu-Ting advanced to the semifinals of the Olympic Gameswhich guaranteed them at least bronze medals. “I don’t care about anyone’s opinion,” Khelif said in Arabic. “I came here for a medal and to compete for a medal. I will definitely compete to improve, and God willing, I will improve, like any other athlete.”
Source: Ambito
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