,Algerian boxer Imane Khelif took home an Olympic gold while facing international scrutiny over misconceptions about her gender. Coming from humble roots in rural Algeria, her sheer determination and persistence to represent her country on a global platform was nothing short of commendable. During her tumultuous run at the Paris Olympics 2024, the boxer, 25, was subjected to intense bashing both inside and outside the ring.
Though braving online harassment from all over the world, Khelif stayed focused on claiming victory and her hard work finally came to fruition. Algeria has now honoured Khelif’s courageous efforts by awarding her a National Order of Merit. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune presented her with the accolade at the El-Mouradia Palace on Thursday, August 15.
She accepted the award alongside Djamel Sedjati, who claimed bronze in the men’s 800-metre track race and Kaylia Nemour, another gold winner of Alegria in women’s uneven bars gymnastics. Khelif took to social media to share glimpses of the memorable moment on Instagram. The gold medallist can be seen smiling ear-to-ear while accepting the honour.
A post shared by Imane Khelif | إيمان خليف 🇩🇿 (@imane_khelif_10) The 25-year-old became a top storyline at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games after Italian boxer Angela Carini withdrew 46 seconds into their bout. She wept and refused to shake Khelif’s hand emphasizing she had never been hit so hard by a punch. This exploded backlash toward Khelif including world leaders and celebrities questioning her eligibility, falsely claiming she was a man.
Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting, who also won gold, were the two boxers subjected to harsh criticism over their ban from competing in the 2023 World Championships, after failing an unspecified gender eligibility test by the International Boxing Association (IBA) last year. It is important to note IBA has since been banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from participating in the Olympics over corruption claims. A post shared by Dr.
Pedro Díaz (@dr.pedrodiaz) In the wake of online bullying, Khelif has legally filed a complaint with the Paris public prosecutor’s office over “acts of aggravated cyber harassment" committed against her. A post shared by Imane Khelif | إيمان خليف 🇩🇿 (@imane_khelif_10) Meanwhile, in taking gold, Imane Khelif has now become Alegria’s first Olympic gold medallist in women’s boxing and the first boxer overall to win gold since 1996.
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