In a dramatic turn of events at the Paris Olympic Games, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif claimed the gold medal in the women’s welterweight final, defeating China’s Yang Liu in a decisive victory. Khelif, who has been at the center of a heated debate regarding her gender, won each of the three rounds on the judges’ scorecards.
The 25-year-old champion celebrated her victory by leaping into the arms of her trainer, who then carried her around the arena on his shoulders, marking a triumphant moment after weeks of intense scrutiny.
Khelif had faced criticism from some quarters, with concerns raised about her eligibility to compete due to possible elevated testosterone levels that could enhance strength and muscle mass. These concerns were amplified after a previous opponent, Angela Carini, abruptly withdrew from a match after just 46 seconds, citing health concerns over Khelif’s powerful punches.
Despite the controversy, Khelif remained resolute, stating that winning gold would be the ultimate response to her detractors. Her determination paid off as she became an Olympic champion, a feat that also highlighted ongoing debates over gender eligibility in sports.
Last year, Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting were banned from the world championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to failing gender eligibility tests. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) criticized the IBA’s decision, calling it “sudden and arbitrary” and arguing that the tests were flawed. The IOC, which has distanced itself from the IBA over governance and corruption concerns, ensured that all boxers in Paris met the eligibility criteria based on their passports, including Khelif and Lin, who have both competed in women’s boxing for years.
Khelif’s victory in Paris not only solidifies her status as an elite athlete but also underscores the ongoing debate over gender in sports, particularly in boxing.
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