Alright, folks, let’s chat about Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxing champ who’s had enough of the bullies. Instead of focusing on her training ahead of her fight today, she’s been dodging a barrage of hate.
Khelif, who’s a total powerhouse in the ring, knocked out Italy’s Angela Carini in a jaw-dropping 46 seconds on the 1st of August. But instead of celebrating her win, she’s been dealing with a ton of transphobic nonsense from people who clearly don’t know what they’re talking about. Yes, we’re looking at you, JK Mudsling and your ilk. These comments are not just ignorant. They’re downright dangerous. In Algeria, being transgender isn’t just frowned upon. It’s illegal. Plus, let’s get real—it’s factually incorrect and totally unfair to Khelif.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that Khelif meets all the competition’s regulations. Yet, she and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting faced similar scrutiny after last year’s World Championships, where they were wrongly disqualified due to dodgy eligibility tests by the International Boxing Association (IBA). Talk about a rough ride.
Now, Khelif has made it to the women’s 66kg semi-finals after defeating Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori. Speaking to SNTV in Arabic, she didn’t mince words: “I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects. “It can destroy people. It can kill people’s thoughts, spirits and minds. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.”
Khelif is already set to bring home at least a bronze, but she’s gunning for gold. “God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal. That would be the best response,” she added.
Today, she’s squaring off against Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng in the semi-finals. Let’s all send her some positive vibes and remember that hate has no place in sports. It has no place anywhere. And transphobia hurts cis women, too. Go get that gold, Imane!
