Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is on the verge of clinching a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, with just one victory separating her from a triumphant end to her tumultuous journey. Khelif, who competes in the women's welterweight division, has faced a barrage of online abuse stemming from misconceptions about her sex. Despite the scrutiny, she has delivered a flawless performance in Paris, winning all her fights convincingly without dropping a single round on the judges' scorecards.
The controversy surrounding Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Li Yu-ting arose from their disqualification at last year's world championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA). The IBA's arbitrary sex tests, which led to their exclusion, were deemed flawed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), resulting in the IBA's permanent ban from the Olympics.
Despite the challenges, the IOC has upheld the right of Khelif and Li to compete in Paris, with President Thomas Bach condemning the criticism as 'hate speech.' Khelif, in particular, has been vocal about the harmful impact of the scrutiny she has faced, emphasizing the need to end athlete bullying. She views a potential gold medal as the perfect response to the backlash against her.
Khelif's remarkable run in Paris has garnered widespread support, with fans cheering her on during each bout. She has already secured Algeria's first Olympic medal in women's boxing and aims to become the country's second boxing gold medalist.
Khelif's journey took a dramatic turn in her first bout, where her opponent abandoned the fight after just 46 seconds, citing pain from Khelif's punches. The incident attracted international attention, with prominent figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and author J.K. Rowling weighing in with criticism and false speculations.
As Khelif prepares for the gold medal fight against Yang Liu of China, she remains focused on her quest for Olympic glory. The support from Algerian fans and her newfound status as a hometown hero have fueled her determination to succeed on the grandest stage of all.
In a parallel quest for gold, Taiwanese boxer Li Yu-ting will also compete in the final, aiming to secure Taiwan's first boxing gold medal. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to their Olympic journey, as both athletes look to etch their names in the annals of Olympic history.
For more Olympic coverage, visit AP Olympics.
