Algerian boxer Imane Khelif speaks out at Paris Olympics, calls for end to 'bullying all athletes'

PARIS – Stop the bullying, says Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.

Khelif, who was dragged into controversy over gender eligibility criteria at the Paris Olympics, has spoken out for the first time since the Games began. She and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting have been subjected to abuse on social media and inaccurate online speculation about their sexes even though the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said they both have met all criteria and that there’s no question they are women.

“I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects,” Khelif said in an interview with SNTV, according to The Associated Press. “It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.”

Khelif and Yu-Ting have advanced to the semifinals at the Olympics, ensuring they’ll win at least bronze medals.

“I don’t care about anyone’s opinion,” Khelif said in Arabic. “I came here for a medal, and to compete for a medal. I will certainly be competing to improve (and) be better, and God willing, I will improve, like every other athlete.”

The Russian-backed International Boxing Association brought the issue to the surface last week. The IBA, which is not recognized by the IOC and has no role in Olympic boxing, stripped Lin (gold) and Khelif (bronze) of their 2023 World Championship medals after the organization claimed they failed gender eligibility tests. The IOC and others have raised concerns about the veracity of those tests.

Thomas Bach, president of the IOC, said this week there’s never been any doubt that Lin and Khelif are cisgender women and he urged “really everyone to respect these women, to respect them as women, as human beings.” The IOC also said the two boxers are victims of an arbitrary decision by the IBA.

“I know that the Olympic Committee has done me justice, and I am happy with this remedy because it shows the truth,” Khelif said while also acknowledging the pressure surrounding the ordeal. “… I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren’t affected deeply.

“They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response.”