LONDON — Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has expressed that she remains undaunted by former President Donald Trump’s position on gender issues in sports as she prepares to defend her title at the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics.
Khelif was recently thrust into the spotlight due to debates over gender eligibility at the Paris Olympics. In an interview set to be broadcast on Wednesday by British news outlet ITV, she was questioned about Trump’s policies.
In response, Khelif stated, “I’ll answer plainly: the U.S. president’s decision on transgender policies is an American issue. I am not transgender, so this does not affect or intimidate me.” This statement comes from excerpts of the interview shared in advance of its release.
During the interview, Khelif was asked about her aspirations to clinch another gold in the upcoming 2028 Summer Games. She confidently interjected, “It’s about the second gold medal, surely, and that will happen in Los Angeles.”
In a move last month, Trump signed an executive order aiming to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in female sports categories.
Moreover, a recent decision by a federal judge halted the enforcement of another executive order by Trump that sought to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military.
Trump has been vocal in mischaracterizing Khelif and fellow female boxing champion Lin Yu-ting by labeling them as male, despite the International Olympic Committee’s consistent support for the athletes.
“These two athletes have been women from birth, raised as women, and have always competed as women. The notion that they are transgender is unfounded,” remarked Thomas Bach, President of the IOC, in a recent discussion.
Both athletes had faced disqualification from the 2023 world championships, organized by the Russian-backed International Boxing Association, over alleged eligibility discrepancies.
Bach clarified, “The situation arose from misinformation campaigns, primarily Russian-driven, that twisted facts and wrongfully categorized these athletes as transgender. They simply are not.”
Despite international scrutiny and doubts over her gender, Khelif advanced through the Olympic Games.
Khelif shared with ITV, “I perceive myself as any other girl would. I was born and raised a girl and have spent my life as such. My journey includes competing at the Tokyo Olympics and several World Championships before winning titles. However, as I began achieving success, the criticisms commenced.”