Imane Khelif's mother rages at gender controversy and makes vow after Paris Olympics saga
Imane Khelif's mother has furiously bristled at allegations her daughter is a 'man' - and vowed to always stand by her
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Imane Khelif's mother has furiously bristled at allegations her daughter is a 'man' - and vowed to always stand by her.
The Algerian recently soared into the spotlight as she won gold at the Paris Olympics, etching her name into the history books in the process.
As she boxed her way to glory, Khelif's gender was called into question after the discredited International Boxing Association claimed she was a 'biological male'.
The 25-year-old has always insisted she was born and raised a woman, despite rumours over her gender.
Imane Khelif's mother has furiously bristled at allegations her daughter is a 'man' - and vowed to always stand by her
REUTERS
And Khelif's mother, Nasria, has now bristled at allegations her daughter isn't female.
"My child is a girl. She was raised as a girl," Nasria told the Daily Mail.
"Imane is a girl who has loved sport since she was six years old."
Nasria has also vowed to give her 'unwavering love and support as I have always done since she was born.'
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She added: "I will always be there for her. She's honoured the national flag. She is our role model."
Khelif has been praised by many figures since her win in Paris, which was achieved despite the boxing star having to put up with vicious rumours about her gender.
She has filed a cyberbullying lawsuit with Paris prosecutors, with JK Rowling and Elon Musk both named in the case.
Rowling claimed Khelif was a 'man', with Musk sharing a post from US swimmer Riley Gaines that said 'men don't belong in women's sports'. He added the word 'absolutely' as he did so.
Donald Trump is also set to be investigated as part of the case after the US presidential candidate also claimed Khelif was a 'man'.
Earlier this week, Khelif was celebrated in Algeria and spoke to president Abdelmajid Tebboune at the presidential palace.
She has received huge support back home, with many proud of their fighter for the way she performed.
Khelif revealed she was 'affected' by comments online earlier this week, while also saying she feared for her safety.
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Imane Khelif's mother has revealed her pride after her daughter won gold at the Paris Olympics
REUTERS
She said: "Immediately after my opening victory at the Olympics, there was a big uproar from politicians around the world, from big athletes around the world, and even from artists and global stars.
"Elon Musk, Donald Trump, this thing affected me, to be honest. It affected me a lot. It hurt me a lot. I cannot describe to you the amount of fear which I experienced.
"I was afraid that I would say to myself: 'Why did Imane Khelif insist on this? Why was there big uproar from around the world?'
"I was afraid. But, thank God, I was able to overcome this stage. Thanks to the psychiatrists who helped me to overcome this stage.
Imane Khelif has been celebrated in Algeria after her gold medal at the Paris Olympics
"And what can I say about this stage? It was not enough. It was a very difficult stage. I could not wait for it to pass. The scenario was very scary.
"Thank God, all the people of Algeria and the Arab world knew the real Imane Khelif, with her femininity, her courage, her determination."
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