Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif is calling for an end to the bullying of athletes following a wave of scrutiny questioning her gender.
Khelif spoke out about the backlash in an interview with SNTV on Sunday, saying that online bullying “has massive effects.”
“It can destroy people’s thoughts, spirit, and mind,” said Khelif. She, alongside fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan, has faced online criticism based on unsubstantiated claims about their gender.
The controversy began after the International Boxing Association (IBA), which has been banned from the Olympics, claimed that both boxers failed unspecified eligibility tests at last year’s world championships.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has defended Khelif, stressing her eligibility and condemning the IBA’s opaque practices.
Despite the challenges, Khelif secured a victory against Hungary’s Anna Hamori in the women’s 66kg quarterfinal at the Paris Games, guaranteeing herself a medal. She has expressed gratitude for the support from fans and the IOC.
Khelif’s focus remains on her Olympic goal. “I came here for a medal, and I will certainly be competing to improve,” she stated.
Her next match is against Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng, where she aims to claim Algeria’s first Olympic gold in women’s boxing.
Khelif received widespread online criticism, with social media users accusing her of pretending to be a woman. The wave of backlash started after Italian boxer Angela Carini quit the match against the Algerian boxer 46 seconds into the game, citing safety concerns.
Carini said that the powerful punch from Khelif dislodged her chinstrap, adding that a second blow that struck her chin left her bleeding.