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The Algerian boxer has faced harsh criticism and legal battles amid controversies over gender eligibility at the Paris Olympics.
Olympic boxer Imane Khelif has labeled the attacks she endured during the Paris Olympics as an “unwarranted hate campaign” led by figures such as Elon Musk and JK Rowling.
The Algerian athlete, who secured a gold medal in the women's welterweight category, found herself at the center of a swirling controversy surrounding her eligibility to compete, which drew severe public and media scrutiny.
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Despite the challenges, Khelif’s performance at the Olympics was nothing short of historic, as she climbed to the top of the podium, triumphing over adversity.
The controversy took root at the IBA World Championships in New Delhi in 2023, where her disqualification over 'gender eligibility' sparked a heated debate.
However, the International Olympic Committee's suspension of the IBA led to a decision by the Paris Olympic organizers to allow Khelif, along with other affected athletes like Lin Yu Ting, to compete.
"In this challenging time, when I needed support, instead I faced a harsh and relentless public attack. I would say, 'You hate me but you don't even know me.' I don’t even know why you led this attack. You have been cruel to me, cruel to my family, and my mother,” Khelif revealed during a poignant interview with Clique TV.
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The distress echoed by Khelif extended beyond the ring, as her family, particularly her mother, bore the brunt of the public backlash.
The legal ramifications of these attacks took a significant turn as Khelif launched lawsuits against prominent figures like Elon Musk and JK Rowling, accusing them of cyberbullying.
Her legal battle highlighted a broader issue of how athletes are treated and scrutinized within the digital sphere, especially regarding sensitive issues like gender eligibility in sports.
Khelif’s road to Olympic glory was marked by notable bouts, including her first match against Italy’s Angela Carini, which ended abruptly when Carini withdrew less than a minute into the round.
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Undeterred, Khelif continued to dominate the ring, defeating Anna Luca Hamori of Hungary in the quarterfinals amid visible protests from her opponent.
In the semifinals, she faced and overcame Janjaem Suwannapheng from Thailand, setting up a final showdown with China’s Yang Liu, the then-defending world and Asian champion.
Khelif’s victory over Liu not only secured her the gold medal but also served as a statement of resilience and determination against her detractors.
“...At that time, my mother was going to hospital every day. So I don't understand the behavior of people today. God is my guide. I am a practicing Muslim woman," she said.
As I said, I am a Muslim Arabic woman, and I got through this moment. I hope I will be even stronger in the future, and come back even more motivated."
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