Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, has become a subject of controversy surrounding gender in sports after her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew from their fight at the Paris Olympics mere seconds into the bout. This incident has stirred criticism from figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni. Khelif faced disqualification from the 2023 world championships due to undisclosed and opaque eligibility tests for women’s competition from the now-banned International Boxing Association.
Born in 1999 in rural northwestern Algeria, Khelif faced initial disapproval from her father for pursuing boxing as a girl. Despite the challenges, she made her mark in the sport, representing Algeria at prestigious events such as the Olympics and winning regional gold medals. Khelif’s career took a controversial turn when she was disqualified from the 2023 world championships by the International Boxing Association for allegedly having high testosterone levels.
Criticism surrounding Khelif’s participation stems from concerns raised by conservative voices like Trump and Meloni, who view her involvement through the lens of gender politics. The International Olympic Committee has addressed the lack of scientific or political consensus on gender fairness issues in sports, emphasizing the complexity of such matters.
Despite the controversy, Khelif’s fellow athletes have expressed varied opinions on her participation in the Paris Olympics. Some, like Marissa Williamson Pohlman of Australia, acknowledge Khelif’s strength and competitive spirit, while others, including Irish boxer Amy Broadhurst, extend support to Khelif, viewing her situation as beyond her control and not a form of cheating.
As Khelif continues her journey in the Olympics, facing her next opponent, Anna Luca Hamori of Hungary, the debate surrounding her presence in the women’s 66-kilogram division remains ongoing. Khelif, while considered a strong contender, is not yet at the level of some of the top-seeded fighters in the competition. The IOC’s handling of the situation amidst the backdrop of shifting eligibility rules in sports has further fueled the conversation on gender and fairness in athletics.