“Born a woman, lived a woman, competed as a woman!” Imane Khelif thanks haters after winning gold medal at Paris Olympics

Imane Khelif faced much verbal abuse after her presence at the Paris Olympics became the subject of fierce contention. The Algerian boxer kept herself focused even after constant backlash from the netizens. Alas, the Algerian boxer had the final word after her gold medal triumph at Roland Garros Stadium on Friday.

Khelif comprehensively defeated China’s Yang Liu by unanimous decision to win the 66kgs final at the Paris Olympics. The Algerian boxer faced a hard time competing at the event as the noises around grew stronger as she advanced to the next rounds. After winning the Olympic gold, she ultimately let her emotions out.

As for whether I qualify or not, whether I'm a woman or not, I have made many statements in the media, I am fully qualified to take part in this competition... I'm a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, I lived a woman, I competed as a woman. There's no doubt about that.

Imane Khelif via Paris Olympic presser

Khelif thanked everyone who questioned her eligibility and revealed that her success feels far more special because of them. Following that, the Algerian boxer thanked everyone who supported her as well. In the end, Khelif gave a message to the whole world and stated that everyone should follow the Olympic principles. Moreover, every individual should avoid bullying others.

Accusations from IBA had confronted the Algerian welterweight that she should not be competing in the women’s category. Allegedly, IBA used an unspecified eligibility test to disqualify the Algerian boxer from their World championships last year. Although she meets the criteria set by the IOC, there was a dispute over her participation in Paris 2024.

That eventually led to a controversy that peaked when she swiftly defeated Italy’s Angela Carini in just 46 seconds. Throughout the tournament and amidst the controversies, Khelif confidently entered and exited the arena, achieving the necessary results. However, the world witnessed a different side of Khelif as she broke down into tears while receiving her medal.

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Imane Khelif gets emotional while receiving her Gold medal at the Paris Olympics

Imane Khelif’s journey at the prestigious Olympic Games witnessed massive criticism, something no other athlete faced at the Paris Olympics. Constant questions, debates, and accusations regarding a person’s gender, even after clarifying the whole saga, can somehow diminish an individual’s morals.

Khelif pretty much ran through the competition. No other women could trouble her at any moment of the bouts. The speed she had factored into her success at the Paris Olympics. However, the 25-year-old Algerian boxer could not hold back her emotions during the medal ceremony. As she bowed down to receive her medal around her neck, Khelif broke down in tears.

The world witnessed how the strong warrior finally broke down as she became the first Algerian woman to win an Olympic medal in boxing. With that outstanding feat amidst all the controversies, Algeria’s Imane Khelif has become a standout inspiration for many.

In case you missed it:

• “I don’t necessarily know if its a ‘her’….” Joe Rogan still skeptical over Imane Khelif successful Olympics run
• “It’s not a gender row, it’s a sex row,” Martina Navratilova slams IOC as gender test failed boxer Imane Khelif wins gold at Paris Olympics

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