Algerian boxer Imane Khelif wins Olympic gold medal after controversy

PARIS – Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, targeted in a “gender eligibility’’ controversy at these Games, etched her name into Olympic history Friday night.

She’s now a gold medalist.

Khelif, 25, beat China’s Yang Liu in the women’s welterweight finals at Roland-Garros Stadium, capping a turbulent experience at the Olympics.

“I’m very happy. For eight years, this has been my dream and I’m now the Olympic champion and gold medallist,” Khelif said. “I’ve worked for eight years, no sleep, eight years tired. Now I’m Olympic champion.

“I want to thank all the people who have come to support me. All the people from Algeria and all the people at my base. I want to thank all the team, my coach. Thank you so much.”

Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-Ting have been subjected to abuse on social media and inaccurate media speculation about their sexes even though the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said they both have met all criteria and that there’s no question they are women.

The Russian-backed International Boxing Association brought the issue to the surface last week. The IBA, which is not recognized by the IOC and has no role in Olympic boxing, stripped Lin (gold) and Khelif (bronze) of their 2023 World Championship medals after the organization claimed they failed gender eligibility tests. The IOC and others have raised concerns about the veracity of those tests.

Aug 9, 2024; Paris, France; Imane Khelif (ALG) strikes Yang Liu (CHN) in a women’s 66kg gold medal bout during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Andrew P. Scott-USA TODAY Sports

While the issue raged, the two boxers continued to excel in the ring.

Khelif won all four of her bouts at the Olympics.

Lin, 28, fights for gold Saturday against Poland’s Julia Szeremeta in women’s featherweight (126 pounds) division. Lin has won all three of her bouts on points by unanimious decision.

Khelif, 25, won her opening bout when Italy’s Angela Carini quit 46 seconds into the match in the round of 16. She won on points by unanimous decision in the quarterfinals against Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori and in the semifinals against Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng.