Imane Khelif faced criticism after her 46-second fight against Angela Carini and has spoken out to address the backlash defending herself.
Olympic boxer Imane Khelif has become the center of bullying after a 46-second fight
Imane Khelif, the 25-year-old Algerian boxer, has spoken out for the first time since her controversial match at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In a heartfelt interview, she addressed the backlash and bullying she has faced following her opponent’s decision to quit their fight after just 46 seconds.
Khelif, who was born and raised as a girl, was at the center of a gender row after being cleared to compete in the women’s boxing event.
This came despite claims from the now-banned International Boxing Association that she did not meet their unspecified eligibility criteria.
During her round of 16 match against Italy’s Angela Carini, the latter decided to abandon the fight due to pain in her nose.
This sparked outrage online, with some accusing Khelif of unfair advantages.
Imane Khelif responds to the hate for her after the 46-second fight against Angela Carini
However, the Algerian athlete has pleaded for people to “refrain from bullying all athletes,” as their words can have “massive effects.”
Despite the negativity, Khelif remained composed and spoke out about her experience.
She explained that the fight’s outcome was not due to insufficient effort or preparation. Instead, it was a result of circumstances beyond her control.
Khelif emphasized that in boxing, unexpected outcomes are part of the sport, and athletes must be prepared for any situation.
In her response, Khelif expressed her disappointment with the public’s reaction.
She highlighted the importance of understanding the pressures and challenges athletes face.
Khelif urged her critics to consider the hard work and sacrifices athletes make to reach the Olympic stage.
“I send a message to all the world’s people to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes.
Because this has effects, massive effects,” Khelif said in her interview.
“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,” she emphasized.
The Olympic boxer revealed that her family was worried about her
Furthermore, Khelif acknowledged that her family has been worried about her and the impact of the controversy.
“I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren’t affected deeply.
But she expressed hope that her eventual gold medal would be “the best response” to the criticism she has faced.
“They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response.”
The Algerian boxer expressed gratitude to the IOC
The Olympic boxer also expressed her gratitude to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for allowing her to compete.
This is opposite to the decision of the now-banned International Boxing Association since 2023.
“I know that the Olympic Committee has done me justice, and I am happy with this remedy because it shows the truth,” she said.
“Absolutely, I don’t care about anyone’s opinion. I came here for a medal, and to compete for a medal,” she stated.
I will certainly be competing to improve (and) be better, and God willing, I will improve, like every other athlete,” Khelif said.
Imane Khelif’s opponent Carini issues an apology to her
In the aftermath of the controversy, Carini, Khelif’s opponent, has also come forward to apologize for her behavior.
“I’m sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she could fight, I respect that decision.
It wasn’t something I intended to do.”