Controversial Boxer Won Olympic Gold

Imane Khelif has been one of the Olympic Games' most debated athletes. And during Friday evening, the Algerian boxer secured the Olympic gold, after having defeated Yang Liu in the final of the 66-kilo class.

» Updated:

» Published:

Controversial Boxer Won Olympic Gold
Photo: John Locher/AP/TT

Share this article

Khelif was superior from start to finish, and the judges were unanimous in all rounds.

Thus, the 25-year-old took her first Olympic Games gold in her career.

The reason Khelif has been so debated is that she was disqualified at the World Championship last year in a gender test after, according to the International Boxing Federation, having shown both X- and Y-chromosomes, which, according to the genetic setup, usually applies to men.

Since then, her participation in the Olympic Games has been heavily criticized, but the IOC's chairman has consistently stood by the decision to let Khelif participate.

It is totally unacceptable. We will not participate in a politically motivated cultural war. We have two women who are born women, they have grown up as women, they are women in their passports, and have competed for many years as women, he said at a press conference.

Khelif herself has also spoken out, trying to calm the storm of criticism.

I send a message to all people in the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic rules – stop bullying athletes. It has effects, big effects, said Khelif according to AP.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Tom Brady Returns to Play Flag Football in Saudi Arabia 2026

Tom Brady Returns to Play Flag Football in Saudi Arabia 2026

Duplantis Celebrated Globally for Historic Pole Vault Achievement

Duplantis Celebrated Globally for Historic Pole Vault Achievement

Leidhammar's Goal Leads Norrköping to Victory Over Djurgården

Leidhammar's Goal Leads Norrköping to Victory Over Djurgården

Heintz Leads Göteborg to 2-1 Victory Over Häcken Despite Criticism

Heintz Leads Göteborg to 2-1 Victory Over Häcken Despite Criticism

16-Year-Old Kevin Filling Secures AIK's Victory in Stockholm Derby

16-Year-Old Kevin Filling Secures AIK's Victory in Stockholm Derby

Italian Skier Matteo Franzoso Dies After Training Crash

Italian Skier Matteo Franzoso Dies After Training Crash

NHL Legend Ed Giacomin Passes Away at 86

NHL Legend Ed Giacomin Passes Away at 86

Duplantis Sets World Record and Wins Gold at Tokyo Championships

Duplantis Sets World Record and Wins Gold at Tokyo Championships

Duplantis Wins Twelve Gold Medals from Berlin to Tokyo

Duplantis Wins Twelve Gold Medals from Berlin to Tokyo

Sam Kendricks Praises Armand Duplantis' Pole Vault Record

Sam Kendricks Praises Armand Duplantis' Pole Vault Record

Armand Duplantis Sets 14th Pole Vault World Record

Armand Duplantis Sets 14th Pole Vault World Record

El Bakkali Loses World Championship Gold in Final Meters

El Bakkali Loses World Championship Gold in Final Meters

Swedes in Top Teams as Men's Champions League Kicks Off

Swedes in Top Teams as Men's Champions League Kicks Off

Pihlström Advances to 1,500m Final at World Championship in Tokyo

Pihlström Advances to 1,500m Final at World Championship in Tokyo

Armand Duplantis Wins Third World Championship Gold with New Record

Armand Duplantis Wins Third World Championship Gold with New Record

Thobias Montler Advances to World Championship Final Seeking Redemption

Thobias Montler Advances to World Championship Final Seeking Redemption

Pro-Palestinian Protests Disrupt Tour of Spain Cycling Race

Pro-Palestinian Protests Disrupt Tour of Spain Cycling Race

Edlund Sets Personal Best to Reach World Championship Semifinal

Edlund Sets Personal Best to Reach World Championship Semifinal

Andreas Almgren Reflects on Dreamlike Day After World Championship Bronze

Andreas Almgren Reflects on Dreamlike Day After World Championship Bronze

Swedish Duo Seeks Redemption in Tokyo at Athletics World Championship

Swedish Duo Seeks Redemption in Tokyo at Athletics World Championship