Imane Khelif has sent a strong message to Donald Trump, confirming her intention to compete in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The former President of the United States mistakenly claimed that the 25-year-old boxer, who faced a gender dispute at the Paris Games last summer along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting, was transgender.
Khelif’s participation in LA 2028 was cast into doubt last month when Trump signed an executive order prohibiting transgender women from competing in women’s sports.
However, the Algerian athlete insists that she will not be intimidated by the former president. In an interview with ITV, she stated: “I am not transgender. This does not apply to me, and I am not afraid.”
“Of course, I will defend this gold medal with all my strength… I will continue to pursue my dream, my everything.”
The participation of Khelif and Lin in Paris 2024, where they won gold medals in welterweight and featherweight categories respectively, caused international uproar.
Both athletes competed in the Games 18 months after being barred from the Women’s World Championships for allegedly failing a gender eligibility test.
Tests conducted by the discredited International Boxing Association reportedly indicated that Khelif and Yu-Ting possess male XY chromosomes.
Despite this, the IOC allowed them to compete, which angered the IBA, leading to legal action against the Olympic governing body.
Khelif, in particular, faced a wave of abuse and false claims of being a man after defeating Angela Carini in just 46 seconds in their first match.
This experience has strengthened the Algerian boxer’s resolve. She has initiated legal proceedings against several prominent individuals, including Elon Musk and JK Rowling, for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment.”
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She commented: “This experience has taught me a lot.”
“I believe if the old Imane was operating at 50% of her potential, the current Imane Khelif is even more motivated and determined.”
“I have learned a great deal from this campaign against me, and the events at the Paris Olympics were truly eye-opening.”
“I feel even stronger now than before.”
Khelif believes that she became a target of global abuse because of her increasing success against opponents.
She stated: “As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide have nothing to fear.”
“The truth was revealed at the Paris Olympics.”
“The injustice was exposed, and subsequently, the truth was acknowledged by the [IOC] in Paris.”
“I consider myself a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as a girl.”
“I have competed in numerous tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics, other major competitions, and four world championships.”
“All of this happened before I started winning and gaining titles.”
“But once I began to achieve success, the campaigns against me began.”
