Olympic champion boxer Imane Khelif recently showcased her dramatic makeover. This followed a significant honor she received from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The 25-year-old fighter, who clinched gold in Paris, has revealed a new look.
This transformation has captured the attention of both her fans and critics.
Controversies surround Khelif’s gold medal
Khelif’s path to Olympic gold was marked by controversy. This summer, she was at the center of a fierce gender eligibility dispute.
Despite being barred from last year’s World Championships due to allegations of failing a gender test, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) cleared her to compete in Paris.
The IOC’s decision followed their severance of ties with the International Boxing Association (IBA).
The IBA had previously disqualified her from the Worlds, labeling her a “biological male.”
At the Paris Olympics, Khelif triumphed over China’s Yang Liu in the women’s 66kg category. She won every round of the tournament.
Her victory was a significant achievement amid ongoing debates about her eligibility.
Previoulsy, Imane Khelif’s father, Omar Khelif, has publicly defended his daughter against the allegations.
Appearing on French live TV, he said: “The attacks against her are immoral, it is not fair. Imane has loved sports since she was six years old. These critics aim to destabilize her and prevent her from becoming the champion she aspires to be.”
Additionally, Khelif herself defended her participation. She said: “I am a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, have lived as a woman, and competed as a woman—there is no doubt about that.”
Olympic champion boxer Imane Khelif receives major honor and recognition
On Thursday, Khelif received a major honor from President Tebboune at the presidential palace in Algiers.
Alongside fellow Algerian Olympic champions Kaylia Nemour and Djamel Sedjati, Khelif was awarded the rank of Major in the National Merit Class.
The event was a moment of celebration and recognition for her accomplishments.
Khelif’s gold medal win did not quell the controversy surrounding her.
The backlash continued, with public figures like JK Rowling, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump commenting on her victory.
In response to the criticism, Khelif’s Paris-based attorney, Nabil Boudi, has filed a lawsuit with French authorities regarding online comments about her gender.
Despite the controversies, Khelif has been focusing on celebrating her achievements.
In a recent Instagram post, she debuted her dramatic makeover.
The video features Khelif in a pink floral outfit with matching hoop earrings, pink eyeliner, and lip gloss, proudly displaying her medal and flashing a bright smile.
Many viewers stunned by Khelif’s new look.
One person said: She is so cute girl and beautiful.
A second wrote: Congrats on your win! God bless you on your journey!
While a third commented: It’s great what a drag act can do she looks like loverly.
Another added: That’s a beautiful girl.
Imane Khelif’s journey from Olympic gold medalist to a symbol of resilience amid controversy is inspiring.
However, her recent makeover and the prestigious honor from the Algerian president underscore her remarkable achievements.