Imane Khelife wins Olympic gold in the women’s welterweight boxing final at the Paris 2024 Games. Despite controversy over gender eligibility and heightened scrutiny, Khelife dominated her match against Yang Liu, winning all three rounds. Her victory comes after significant debate about her competition status and eligibility.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelife has clinched the gold medal in the women's welterweight boxing final at the Paris Olympics, overcoming significant controversy surrounding her gender. Khelife secured a decisive victory over China’s Yang Liu, winning all three rounds on the judges' scorecards.
The 25-year-old athlete’s triumph comes after a tumultuous period marked by scrutiny and debate. Earlier in the tournament, concerns were raised about Khelife’s eligibility, particularly regarding allegations of elevated testosterone levels which critics feared could enhance her performance. This led to heightened scrutiny and discussions about her participation.
The controversy was further fueled when former competitor Angela Carini withdrew from a match against Khelife, citing health concerns due to the Algerian's powerful punches. Critics questioned whether Khelife should have been allowed to compete, citing fears about fairness and the integrity of the competition.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) had previously banned Khelife and a Taiwanese boxer from world championships over gender eligibility issues. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) dismissed these tests as "sudden and arbitrary," stating that all competitors in Paris, including Khelife, met the necessary eligibility criteria based on their passports.
Celebrating her victory, Khelife was lifted by her coach and carried around the arena in a display of joy and triumph. Her win is seen as a powerful response to her detractors and a significant moment in Olympic boxing.
