Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who became the focus of a gender dispute at the Paris Games, made a powerful statement about her identity after winning the Olympic gold medal in welterweight by defeating China’s Yang Liu. The victory, which sent her new fans into a frenzy, marks Khelif as the first Algerian woman to win an Olympic boxing title and the first from her country to secure gold since Hocine Soltani in 1996. Women’s boxing has been featured in the Olympics since 2012.
Khelif, who previously won silver at the 2022 World Championships, expressed her joy and gratitude, stating, “This is my dream come true after eight years of hard work. I’m very happy to be an Olympic champion.”
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She added that the gold medal serves as a powerful response to the controversy surrounding her.
Addressing the debate, Khelif affirmed at a press conference, “I am a woman like any other. I was born a woman and have lived as one. Success brings enemies who struggle with my achievements.”
Her opponent Yang Liu expressed respect for Khelif’s accomplishment and stated she would learn from the experience. Bronze medals were awarded to Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand and Chen Nien-chin of Taiwan.
Khelif and world champion Lin Yu-ting were disqualified from the 2023 World Championships due to gender testing, but the International Olympic Committee is using eligibility rules from previous Olympics that do not include gender testing.
High Volume
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch when Imane Khelif entered the arena on Friday evening in her red trunks and shirt for the final bout of a sweltering Parisian night. The only breeze came from the waving flags of the enthusiastic crowd, who chanted “Imane, Imane, Imane!” while booing her opponent, Yang Liu, as she made her entrance.
Khelif took command from the start, keeping Yang at bay with her jab and controlling the center of the ring. She landed a solid left hook early on, followed by a right, showcasing her dominance. In the second round, Khelif pushed Yang to the ropes with a precise right hook. Despite Yang’s determination, she couldn’t find the range to challenge Khelif, who thrived on the support from the crowd at Roland Garros.
As Khelif’s corner carried her on their shoulders to the end of the stadium, the crowd erupted in cheers. Khelif then delighted the audience by shadow-boxing towards the stands to the tune of “Abdelkader,” a popular song by Cheb Khaled, Rachid Taha, and Faudel.
The Jackson Five’s song played over the speakers as the podium was prepared for the celebration. The arena filled with ululation, a joyful, high-pitched sound commonly heard at Arab weddings and celebrations, before the Algerian anthem was played. Khelif embraced the other podium winners in a moment of pure joy.
Khelif and Lin Yu-ting are competing at the Games following the IOC’s takeover of boxing from the IBA in 2023. The IOC rejected the IBA’s gender tests as arbitrary and illegitimate, a position supported by Human Rights Watch.
