Imane Khelif is an Olympic gold medalist and no one can take that away from her.
The Algerian boxer defeated China’s Yang Liu 5-0 in the women’s up to 66 kg (welterweight) final, crowning a dominant run through the tournament despite worldwide conspiracies and outright lies about her gender.
Khelif was born a woman, raised a woman, and competes as a woman under all IOC rules. And while the conversations around her – not to mention the relentless harassment – became increasingly vicious, Khelif continued to fight her way to the podium until she reached the top.
The 25-year-old has handled her Olympic experience with as much grace as one can in her situation. Now, after all the intolerance and hate she has faced, she will go home with a gold medal and the support of her home country.
Khelif’s celebration after Friday’s match at Roland Garros really says it all.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 9: Imane Khelif of Team Algeria poses for a photo after winning the gold medal in the Women’s -66kg final against Liu Yang of Team China on Day 14 of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Roland Garros on August 9, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 09: Liu Yang of Team China looks on as referee Jakov Peterson raises the hand of Imane Khelif of Team Algeria to announce the winner of the Women’s -66kg boxing final on Day 14 of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Roland Garros on August 9, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Algeria’s Imane Khelif reacts after defeating China’s Yang Liu (blue) in the women’s 66 kg final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Roland-Garros Stadium on August 9, 2024. (Photo by Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP) (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images)
Algeria’s Imane Khelif reacts after defeating China’s Yang Liu (blue) in the women’s 66 kg final of the boxing match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Roland-Garros stadium on August 9, 2024 in Paris. (Photo by Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP) (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 09: Imane Khelif of Team Algeria celebrates winning the gold medal with Team Algeria coaches Mohamed Chaoua and Mohamed Al-Shawa after the women’s -66 kg boxing final against Liu Yang of Team China on Day 14 of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Roland Garros on August 9, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
August 9, 2024; Paris, France; Imane Khelif (ALG) celebrates defeating Yang Liu (CHN) in the women’s -66 kg gold medal match during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Photo Credit: Andrew P. Scott-USA TODAY Sports
August 9, 2024; Paris, France; Yang Liu (CHN) raises hand to Imane Khelif (ALG) after a gold medal bout in the women’s 66 kg weight class during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Photo Credit: Andrew P. Scott-USA TODAY Sports
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