Imane Khelif makes feelings clear as controversial Olympics star lashes out amid gender scrutiny
Imane Khelif has lashed out at critics at the Paris Olympics
REUTERS
Imane Khelif has made it clear she's disgusted by the criticism she's received amid her performances at the Paris Olympics.
The 25-year-old previously failed a gender eligibility test at the World Boxing Championships last year, with reports suggesting she had high levels of testosterone.
Khelif has been allowed to compete in Paris by the International Olympic Committee, despite the controversy surrounding her participation.
And she's now hit back at critics in her first sit-down interview at the games.
Imane Khelif has lashed out at critics at the Paris Olympics
REUTERS
Speaking to SNTV, she said the scrutiny over her gender was 'harmful to human dignity'.
And she also suggested critics were bullying her, saying: "I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects.
"It can destroy people, it can kill people's thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people.
"And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying."
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Khelif says she's concerned about her family and admits the heavy criticism may be impacting them.
"I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren't affected deeply," continued the 25-year-old.
"They are worried about me.
"God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response."
One question Khelif didn't opt to answer was about whether she had undergone tests, other than doping tests.
She has been allowed to compete by the IOC despite the International Boxing Association, which has been permanently banned from the Olympics, saying she'd failed gender eligibility tests last year.
Khelif is thankful for their support on the subject.
"I know that the Olympic Committee has done me justice, and I am happy with this remedy because it shows the truth," she said.
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Imane Khelif has thanked the IOC for letting her compete at the Paris Olympics
REUTERS
One question Khelif didn't opt to answer was about whether she had undergone tests, other than doping tests.
She has been allowed to compete by the IOC despite the International Boxing Association, which has been permanently banned from the Olympics, saying she'd failed gender eligibility tests last year.
Khelif is thankful for their support on the subject.
"I know that the Olympic Committee has done me justice, and I am happy with this remedy because it shows the truth," she said.
Imane Khelif is already guaranteed a medal at the Olympics this summer
REUTERS
"Honestly, I don't follow social media.
"There is a mental health team that doesn't let us follow social media, especially in the Olympic Games, whether me or other athletes. I'm here to compete and get a good result."