Meet Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer in gender eligibility controversy at Paris Olympics

Imane Khelif has raised eyebrows at the Paris Olympics after making Italian opponent Angela Carini abandon their women’s welterweight boxing match.

Khelif is a name to know in women’s boxing after previously being mired in gender controversy.

Here’s a rundown of what to know about Khelif.

Khelif was born in Tiaret, Algeria, and represents them on an international stage. She’s 25 years old and competes in the women’s 66-kg light welterweight division.

She’s been in 14 boxing matches, posting a 9-5 record in official competitions.

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Khelif fought for Algeria in the lightweight event at the delayed Tokyo Olympics three years ago. Ireland’s Kellie Harrington defeated her in the quarterfinals.

She found her stride, however, at the 2022 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships where she became the first Algerian woman to reach the finals.

Khelif was defeated by Amy Broadhurst of Ireland in the final.

There was a bit of a setback to her boxing career in 2023, when Khelif was abruptly disqualified from the 2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships.

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Algeria initially claimed that it was for “medical reasons” but it was revealed the DQ was due to high levels of testosterone.

IBA president Umar Kremlev said the DNA test results of Khelif “proved they had XY chromosomes.” Khelif tried to appeal these findings but later withdrew it.

However, the International Olympic Committee uses a different rule set and cleared Khelif to compete at the Paris Olympics.

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The IOC’s decision may come with some backlash after Khelif made her first opponent abandon their boxing match.

Her opponent, Carini, was warned not to fight Khelif , according to her coach, Emanuele Renzini.

“Many people in Italy tried to call and tell her: ‘Don’t go please: it’s a man, it’s dangerous for you,” Renzini told reporters.

After being struck multiple times in the face, the Italian finally had enough.

The Algerian boxer has drawn the attention of Elon Musk and Riley Gaines, who seem dissatisfied with her ability to compete.

This rendition of the Olympic games has had its fair share of controversy and Khelif’s rise to boxing fame has had significant backlash.

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