After the whirlwind of controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics, boxer Imane Khelif is setting her sights firmly on the future.
The 26-year-old gold medalist has made it clear she has no plans to retire and is aiming for glory again at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Khelif’s victory in the 66kg women’s boxing event last summer came amid a storm over gender eligibility, thrusting her into the global spotlight beyond the ring.
Despite previous disqualifications at the 2023 World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA), she was cleared to compete in Paris after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) deemed athletes eligible for women’s categories if their passports listed them as female.
Overcoming Controversy and Criticism
The Paris Games were not easy for Khelif. She faced scrutiny alongside fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting, enduring allegations and media speculation about her gender eligibility.
Reflecting on the experience, Khelif told La Gazzetta dello Sport:
“Unfortunately, I faced a situation that other athletes have experienced in the past and still face today.
My experience at the Olympic Games shows that any athlete can be a victim.
What happened was very damaging, but I managed to stay focused without being influenced by the media hype.”
She emphasized the importance of rules and fairness in sport, but also highlighted how external pressures can lead to unfair decisions that affect both athletes and the integrity of competition.
Dismissing Retirement Rumors
Khelif recently addressed claims from her former manager suggesting she had retired, calling his remarks a “betrayal.”
She is determined to continue her boxing career despite missing the upcoming World Championships due to new sex testing rules introduced by World Boxing.
“Winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics gave me extra motivation,” Khelif said.
“I had to overcome many obstacles to achieve this, including harassment, and I want to continue fighting to silence those who doubt me.
Thanks to my sporting achievements, my goals have grown.”
New Rules and the Path Forward
World Boxing recently implemented new eligibility regulations, requiring fighters to take a PCR test or a functional medical equivalent genetic screening to certify their eligibility to compete.
These tests, which may use saliva, blood, or swabs, aim to ensure safety and fairness in the sport.
Competitors deemed male at birth or with differences in sexual development involving male androgenisation are not eligible to compete in women’s categories.
“World Boxing respects the dignity of all individuals and is keen to ensure it is as inclusive as possible,” said World Boxing president Boris Van Der Vorst.
“Yet in a combat sport like boxing, we have a duty of care to deliver safety and competitiveness fairness, which are the key principles that have guided the development and creation of this policy.”
Eyes on Los Angeles 2028
With the Paris Games behind her, Khelif is fully focused on the road ahead.
She remains resolute in her ambition to continue fighting at the highest level, determined to prove herself in the ring and show that her achievements are earned through skill, dedication, and resilience.
