Fury directed at AP reporters who voted Imane Khelif as Female Athlete of the Year
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Former ESPN personality Charly Arnolt has launched a scathing attack on Associated Press journalists who voted for controversial Olympic boxer Imane Khelif in the Female Athlete of the Year award.
The 37-year-old questioned the judgment of four unnamed AP reporters who placed Khelif third in the prestigious honour, behind winner Caitlin Clark and runner-up Simone Biles.
Khelif's participation in the Paris Olympics sparked fierce debate after allegations emerged about her gender eligibility.
Speaking on OutKick's 'The Morning' show, Arnolt expressed disbelief at the journalists' decision.
Imane Khelif was voted third in the Female Athlete of the Year
PA
"How in the world are there four AP journalists, who make it their bread and butter covering sports, who decided that this person deserved to be the athlete of the year?" she questioned.
She further criticised the reporters, stating: "Clearly these four journalists have some rewirings that need to be constructed in their brains."
The controversy centred on Khelif's eligibility after she was disqualified from the 2023 championships over gender issues.
The Algerian boxer won gold in the women's welterweight competition at the Paris Games, despite significant controversy.
International Boxing Association president Umar Kremlev claimed Khelif had "XY chromosomes," typically associated with biological males.
Italian boxer Angela Carini notably forfeited her bout against Khelif, stating "one punch hurt too much."
In the AP Female Athlete of the Year voting, Clark received 35 votes and Biles 25, whilst Khelif secured four votes for third place.
Arnolt, who departed ESPN in April 2023, blamed "fringe extreme leftists" for Khelif's inclusion in the top three.
Charly Arnold was furious with reporters for voting for Imane Khelif
"I think this just goes to show that once again the mainstream media cannot be trusted," she said, whilst acknowledging Clark's overall victory.
Arnolt had previously left ESPN claiming the network's culture left her "stifled" and "uncomfortable".
She had also criticised ESPN last year for broadcasting a tribute to transgender swimmer Lia Thomas during Women's Month.
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Imane Khelif won gold at the Paris Olympics
PA
Khelif is currently pursuing legal action over media reports allegedly containing leaked medical records.
The Olympic champion has also filed a legal complaint with French authorities regarding online abuse and harassment she faced during the Paris Games.
The Algerian athlete emerged as the most Googled sports personality of the year, largely due to the surrounding controversy.
The International Olympic Committee maintained throughout that Khelif met all requirements to compete in the women's events.
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