Imane Khelif, the 25-year-old Algerian gold medalist in women’s boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has responded to the ongoing gender controversy by releasing a video emphasizing her femininity. Due to questions surrounding her gender, Khelif was at the center of attention throughout the Olympics.
Khelif shared a video on her social media on Saturday, which she created in collaboration with a beauty company in Algeria.
In the video, Khelif starts by throwing punches toward the camera. Suddenly, the scene shifts, and she reappears wearing a pink floral blouse. Pink eyeshadow and lip gloss complete the look, highlighting her feminine side.
Accompanying the post, it said, “To win her medal, she had no time to spend in beauty salons or shopping. She never needed to conform to these standards to prove her existence.” It added, “By changing her appearance, Imane (Khelif) was not trying to change herself to fit into the boxes the world tries to put us into. Her message is much deeper.”
It continued, “Clothes do not make the monk, and appearance does not reveal the essence of a person. She can be feminine and elegant if she wants to, but in the ring, she doesn’t need frills or high heels.”
Previously, Khelif won the gold medal in the women’s 66kg boxing at the Paris Olympics, marking the first medal in Algerian women’s boxing history. However, she faced ongoing gender scrutiny during the event, with claims resurfacing that she possesses XY chromosomes.
Last year, Khelif faced disqualification at the World Boxing Championships organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for the same reason. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed her to compete in the Olympics, stating, “Gender cannot be determined by chromosomes alone.”
After winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, Khelif stated in a press conference, “I was born and have lived as a woman, just like other women. Everyone should respect the Olympic spirit and refrain from disparaging others.”
Khelif has also filed lawsuits against public figures who criticized her, including author J.K. Rowling and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
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