Imane Khelif 'doesn't care' about Olympics gender boxing row after sealing spot in gold medal fight
Imane Khelif is through to the gold medal fight
REUTERS
Imane Khelif has shrugged off the controversy surrounding her participation in women's boxing at the Olympics after sealing her spot in the 66kg gold medal fight.
The Algerian has faced heavy abuse on social media after being cleared to compete in Paris by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), despite being disqualified from last year's women's world championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
The now-banned federation claimed that both Khelif and Lin Yu-ting failed 'gender eligibility' tests, but the IOC has questioned the legitimacy of the examinations.
Gender testing at the Olympics was abolished altogether at the turn of the millennium due to concerns over the accuracy of the tests.
The IOC replaced the IBA in organising the Olympics back in Tokyo and their requirement for competing in the women's division is based on whether their passports said they were female.
They've repeatedly stated unequivocally that both Khelif and Yu-ting are both female athletes and are completely eligible to compete in women's boxing at the Olympics.
But both boxers have continued to face baseless accusations from high-profile celebrities such as Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling, who have referred to them as 'men'.
Khelif admitted previously that the saga had affected her and that was clearly visible when she burst into tears after winning her quarter-final contest last week.
But those tears turned into huge cheers on Tuesday evening when she defeated Thailand's Janjaem Suwannapheng to qualify for the gold medal fight.
The 25-year-old has largely avoided the media at the Paris Olympics previously but broke her silence after the win on Tuesday with a defiant statement.
She said: “I don’t care what anyone is saying about me with the controversy.
“All that is important to me is that I stay on the level and give my people the performance they deserve.
Imane Khelif won every round against Janjaem Suwannapheng
REUTERS
"I know I’m a talented person and this is a gift to all Algerians.”
Khelif competed at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago when she lost in the quarter-finals.
But she's now guaranteed at least a silver medal when she faces Liu Yang of China on Friday evening.
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Imane Khelif put out a defiant statement
REUTERS
If Khelif wins against Yang she will become the first Algerian to win gold in boxing at the Olympics.
"I am focused," she said.
"I am here for a good performance and my dream. I will give everything I have for the final."