PARIS — Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer caught in a contentious debate over gender in sports during the recent Paris Olympics, has strongly rejected what she describes as “false and offensive” claims made by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
In a passionate post on her Instagram account late Tuesday, Khelif expressed resilience, stating, “I have been knocked down more times than I can count. But I have never stayed down.”
The IBA announced this week its intention to lodge criminal complaints against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in the United States, France, and Switzerland. The association claims that the IOC’s decision to allow female boxers, including Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, to compete and achieve gold medals in the Paris games could warrant criminal prosecution.
In response, Khelif asserted her commitment to defending her rights and ensuring that the principles of fair competition are honored. “I will take all necessary legal steps to ensure that my rights and the principles of fair competition are upheld,” she stated firmly.
She emphasized the importance of accountability for those responsible for the accusations, adding, “Those responsible for these actions must be held accountable, and we will pursue all available legal avenues to ensure that justice prevails.”
The IBA, led by Russian officials, has been excluded from the Olympic movement, yet it invoked an executive order regarding transgender athletes issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump as part of its rationale for the criminal complaints.
Khelif criticized the IBA for making “again baseless accusations that are false and offensive, using them to further their agenda.” She stressed that this issue transcends her individual case, touching on broader principles of fairness and due process in sports.
The IOC has consistently maintained that both Khelif and Lin, assigned female at birth and identifying as women, followed all applicable rules for the Olympic tournament. Notably, both athletes also participated in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where they did not secure medals.
In a recent turn of events, Khelif and Lin faced disqualification from the IBA-run 2023 world championships due to alleged failure to meet eligibility standards. The IOC reiterated its position on Monday, clarifying that the two mentioned athletes are not transgender individuals.
Throughout her Olympic journey, Khelif has faced intense scrutiny and unfounded speculation regarding her gender identity. Despite being raised as a woman, she has found herself embroiled in contentious discussions about gender and sport following her ineligibility for women’s events set forth by the IBA in 2023.
“I have seen adversity before,” Khelif reflected. “I have fought through every setback, every false accusation, every attempt to erase me. And I have won. Each obstacle has only strengthened my resolve. I will continue to compete with honor and integrity.”
