Unanimous Decision Victory by Referees in 66kg Final
Criticism on SNS... 'Sports Hero' at Home
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif (25), who was at the center of a gender controversy at the Paris Olympics, ultimately won the Olympic gold medal.
On the 10th (Korean time), Khelif won the 2024 Paris Olympic boxing women's 66kg final at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris, France, with a unanimous 5-0 decision against Yang Liu (China). To win the gold medal, Khelif secured one win by withdrawal and three unanimous decision victories.
She said, "I am fully qualified to participate in the Olympics. Like other women, I was born and have lived as a woman," adding, "The criticism became my driving force. Thanks to their attacks, this gold medal is even more joyful."
On the 9th (local time), at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France, during the women's 66kg boxing final of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Algeria's Imane Khalif (in red), who was embroiled in a gender controversy, secured a victory against China's Yang Liu. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Last year, Khelif was disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) at the World Championships for having the 'XY chromosome,' which generally indicates male. This sparked a gender controversy when she competed in the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated that gender is determined based on passports and that there was no problem with Khelif competing in the women's boxing event. After the medal ceremony, Khelif emphasized at an official press conference, "What I want to say to the world is that everyone should respect the Olympic spirit and refrain from slandering others," and added, "I hope that in the future, no one like me will be criticized at the Olympics."
However, criticism of Khelif came not only from social media but also from prominent figures worldwide.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confronted IOC President Thomas Bach before the round of 16 match between Khelif and Italy’s Angela Carini, saying, "It is unfair for a male athlete to compete." Carini lost by withdrawal just 46 seconds after the match started on the 1st, after being hit in the face. Following this, Harry Potter series author J.K. Rowling, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and others also criticized Khelif’s participation. Ultimately winning the gold medal, Khelif said, "The criticism I received on social media was very unfair and even violated human dignity. But now, I believe people’s thoughts have changed."
On the 7th (Korean time), Algerian boxer Imane Khalif (26) celebrated with Algerian spectators after winning the women's 66kg semifinal boxing match at the 2024 Paris Olympics held at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris, France. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Contrary to the criticism on social media, Khelif has risen as a sports hero in her home country. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune called Khelif before the final, saying, "Thank you for bringing happiness to all Algerians by advancing to the final with a great match. All Algerian men and women stand with you." The Algerian daily newspaper Echo d’Alg?rie praised her as "a figure symbolizing Algerian sports who faced hatred and racism ahead of the final round."
At Roland Garros, where the final was held, numerous Algerian fans cheered her name throughout the match. Khelif said, "The support from the audience and fans gave me strength," adding, "Algerian women are known for being strong and brave. They came to cheer, sending a message to the world."
Meanwhile, on the 11th, another boxer involved in a 'gender controversy,' Lin Yuting, will face Julia Seremeta (Poland) in the women's 57kg final.
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