Algerian Olympian Imane Kherif, who is said to have male chromosomes, won the gold medal in the women’s welterweight division on Friday, defeating China’s Yang Liu by unanimous decision.
The crushing victory was Kherif’s fourth consecutive victory over a female opponent in Paris.
Retweet! The IOC has let women down.
A male boxer is now the women’s Olympic champion.
Imane Kherif defeated Yang Liu.
Male power destroys female talent#Paris2024 #Imane Khelif#xx pic.twitter.com/mtgRBZ1kl8— Fair Play for Women (@fairplaywomen) August 9, 2024
Kheriff and Taiwanese fighter Lin Yu-ting have been the focus of huge controversy in Paris after both were excluded from the 2023 women’s world championships after failing gender tests.
According to Russia’s TASS news agency, IBA president Umar Kremlyov explained the organisation’s decision to strip Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting and Algeria’s Imane Kherif of eligibility to compete in the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in 2023. “DNA tests have revealed that several athletes tried to deceive their colleagues by posing as women. The tests proved that they have XY chromosomes. Such athletes have been excluded from competition,” Kremlyov said. said.
Khelif, who claims to be unconcerned by the swirling controversy, told The Associated Press earlier this week that the heated debates would not change his goals.
“I want to entertain everyone so I want to prepare well, show a good standard and showcase my talent,” Kheriff told reporters.
A video of Khelife punishing female fighters and celebrating it sparked backlash online.
Imane Kheriff is currently in the ring defeating yet another woman.
He is likely to win, which means he is guaranteed to get at least a silver medal.
Embarrassing. pic.twitter.com/gDekHaNVYk
— Brandubh (@brandubh4) August 6, 2024
Bravo Imane🇿🇿🇿🇿🇿🇿❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🇿🇿🇿🇿❤️#ImanKhalif pic.twitter.com/yumpNcdNd2
— Asmahane Bachir Bouaidjra (@AsmahanBachirb) August 6, 2024
Yet despite the uproar, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stood firm in its support for Khelib and Yuting.
“All athletes competing in the women’s category are complying with the eligibility rules,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams said. said“My passport states I’m a female and that’s exactly what it states.”
Yuting will compete for gold in the women’s 57kg class on Saturday.
