Olympic champion boxer Imane Khelif has firmly rejected Donald Trump's false claims that she is transgender, declaring "I am not transgender" in a recent interview with ITV.
The Algerian gold medallist responded directly to the US President's assertions that she was a "male" fighter who had "transitioned".
"The US President issued a decision related to transgender policies in America. I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me," Khelif stated.
Trump had been a vocal critic of Khelif during her triumphant run at the Paris Olympics last summer.
Boxing news: Olympic champion boxer Imane Khelif has firmly rejected Donald Trump's false claims that she is transgender, declaring "I am not transgender" in a recent interview with ITV
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The 25-year-old boxer eventually earned the top prize in the women's 66 kg welterweight event despite facing criticism from several high-profile figures.
Trump claimed that Khelif had "stole the women's gold medal after brutalizing his female opponent".
The US President recently signed a White House executive order entitled "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports", which seeks to prohibit transgender women from competing in women's sports.
This came after his criticism of Khelif during the Paris Olympics, where he falsely referred to her as a "male boxer" who had "transitioned".
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Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who won gold at the Paris Olympics amid a bitter gender eligibility row, speaks exclusively to @stevescott_itv about aiming to retain her title at LA 2028, why she isn’t intimidated by President Trump and how the ‘campaign’ against her in Paris… pic.twitter.com/aFNU13yeQf
— ITV News (@itvnews) March 18, 2025
Khelif had previously been banned from competing in the 2023 World Championships amid claims she had failed gender eligibility tests.
However, that tournament was run by the Russian International Boxing Association (IBA), which later had its status as a governing body withdrawn by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The Algerian boxer was subsequently permitted to compete in the Olympics in Paris, where she faced criticism from other prominent figures including billionaire Elon Musk and author J.K. Rowling.
Reflecting on her Olympic experience, Khelif described her gold medal victory as "the best response after all the bullying".
"I believe the gold medal at the Paris Olympics was the best medal of the entire Games. It was a victory that held significance on every level—ethical, athletic, and even in terms of sportsmanship," she said.
"I have learned so much from this campaign against me, and what happened at the Paris Olympics was an eye-opening experience."
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Khelif now feels more determined than ever.
"I feel even stronger now than I was before.... if the old Imane operated at 50 percent of her potential, then the Imane Khalif of today is even more motivated and determined," he continued.
"When I saw that even heads of state, famous figures, and former athletes were speaking about me without having verified facts, it shocked me.
"It affected me mentally, as well as my family. Even my mother was deeply affected—she was going to the hospital almost every day.
Boxing news: Imane Khelif won gold at the Paris Olympics back in the summer
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"This went beyond just a sporting issue or a game... I was deeply affected mentally and felt discouraged."
Nevertheless, Khelif maintained her awareness throughout the ordeal.
"I remained aware of what was happening," she added, demonstrating the resilience that ultimately helped her secure Olympic gold despite the unfounded accusations.
