Algerian boxer Imane Khelif wins medal at Paris Olympics
2024.08.04
Boxer Imane Khelif of Algeria won a medal at the Paris Olympics in an emotional fight Saturday, following days of harsh criticism and online abuse as assumptions about her gender erupted into a bigger clash over identity in sports.
Khelif defeated Anna Luca Hamori of Hungary 5:0 in the women’s 66-kg quarterfinals. Khelif will win at least a bronze medal after defeating Hamori for the second time in her difficult second Olympic appearance. Hungary’s boxing federation stated that it planned to protest the bout with the International Olympic Committee but still allowed the fight to take place.
Khelif attracted criticism after the outlawed International Boxing Association said she failed an undefined eligibility test to compete last year due to increased levels of testosterone. She won her first match at the Paris Games on Thursday, when opponent Angela Carini of Italy withdrew after 46 seconds.
Khelif’s victory was dramatic; she went to the center of the ring, waved to her admirers, knelt, and pounded her palm against the canvas, her joy turning to tears. She exited the ring to hug her coaches while her fans screamed, crying during their embrace and as she walked away.
On Saturday, IOC President Thomas Bach defended Khelif and fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan. The IBA, the old regulatory body of Olympic boxing, banned Khelif and Lin in the middle of last year’s world championships, citing failed eligibility tests.
@j robinson
