Standing Strong in the Face of U.S. Political Controversy

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, fresh off her gold medal win in the -66 kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has confirmed her sights are now firmly set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Her statement comes amid a swirl of controversy, sparked by unfounded claims regarding her gender identity — including accusations from the U.S. President himself.

“I’ll be blunt: the President of the United States signed a decree about transgender policy in America. I am not transgender. This doesn’t concern me and doesn’t intimidate me. That’s my answer,” Khelif told ITV News during a televised interview, firmly rejecting the rumors.

A Presidential Order That Reignited a Global Debate

In February, the U.S. President announced a legal move to bar transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. While promoting this controversial policy, he singled out Khelif by accusing her of being assigned male at birth and undergoing a gender transition. He warned that his administration would not “stand by” during the Los Angeles Games, arguing that it would be unfair for “men to defeat female athletes.”
The remarks triggered global backlash and reignited debate over inclusion and fairness in competitive sports.

Read also : Trump Urges IOC to Ban Transgender Athletes

Stronger Than Ever After the Storm

Now 25, Khelif says the controversy has only made her stronger. When asked about her future ambitions, she answered with calm determination: “A second gold medal, of course — in Los Angeles.”
She added, “This whole experience taught me a lot. I think the old Imane was boxing at 50% of her capacity. The Imane Khelif you see today is far more motivated, far more focused.”
Reflecting on the criticism she faced in Paris, she concluded: “I feel stronger now than ever before.”

IOC Stands By the Athletes Amid Backlash

Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, who also medaled in Paris (in the -57 kg category), were both at the center of the gender identity storm — fueled in part by comments from public figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The two athletes had previously been excluded from the 2023 World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA), despite regularly competing in women’s categories.
In response, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) withdrew its recognition of the IBA, citing ethical failures and financial opacity.

A Fresh Start for Olympic Boxing

In light of the controversy, the IOC has provisionally recognized a new governing body, World Boxing, created in 2023. This new organization will oversee boxing events at the 2028 Olympics, with a mission to ensure transparency and fairness in the sport.
For Imane Khelif, this transition opens the door to a more just and respectful competitive environment — and another chance at Olympic gold.