Imane Khelif of Algeria achieved a historic victory by defeating Yang Liu of China to secure a gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, overcoming significant challenges along the way. This triumph recalls the controversy faced by Caster Semenya in 2009, as Khelif’s journey was marked by intense scrutiny over her gender. Despite the adversity, the Algerian boxer emerged victorious, capping an unforgettable campaign in the women’s welterweight division. Khelif, who won unanimously in all three rounds of the final, did not lose a single round throughout the competition. Her victory at Roland Garros was a significant achievement, marking Algeria’s second boxing gold in the history of the Summer Games.
Khelif’s journey to gold was not without obstacles. She was previously disqualified, along with Li Yu-ting of Taiwan, from the World Championships in 2023 by the now-banned International Boxing Association, due to a disputed eligibility test. However, the International Olympic Committee supported Khelif and Li Yu, condemning the criticisms as “hate speech.” The victory at the Paris Games was Khelif’s ultimate response to her detractors, as she solidified her legacy in Algerian sports history. Her win was celebrated not only as a personal triumph but also as a milestone for Algerian women’s boxing. Throughout the Olympics, Khelif garnered overwhelming support, with the crowd’s cheers echoing her resilience and determination.
In one of the highlights of her campaign, Khelif faced Angela Carini of Italy in a dramatic 46-second bout, where Carini eventually walked away, refusing the traditional handshake. Carini later expressed regret and wished to apologize to Khelif.
Khelif’s success is a testament to her strength and determination, as she continues to inspire others by rising above prejudice and achieving greatness on the global stage.
