LONDON – Algerian boxer Iman Keliff says President Donald Trump's attitude on gender in sports “doesn't threaten” her and plans to defend her gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics.
Kerif, who found himself in the middle of a fierce disparity in gender eligibility during the Parisio Games, was asked about Trump's policies in an interview with British broadcaster ITV, scheduled to air Wednesday.
“I give you a simple answer: The US President has announced a decision related to American transgender policy. I am not transgender. This is not me, it does not threaten me. That's my response.”
Keriff then suspended questions about her dream of repeating money in the next summer match of 2028. “Of course, the second gold medal,” she said. “America, Los Angeles.”
Last month, Trump signed an executive order aimed at banning transgender athletes from participating in women's and women's sports.
On Tuesday, a federal judge blocked the enforcement of another Trump executive order to ban transgender people from military service.
Trump has repeatedly labelled Kerif and fellow female boxing gold medalist Lyn Yu Ointing as men despite the International Olympic Committee's consistent defense of both boxers.
“These two female boxers were born and raised as women, competed as women, and no one even claimed to be transgender.” Recent interviews With Associated Press.
Both said they were disqualified from the 2023 World Championships run by the Russian Aid International Boxing Association, but failed the qualification test.
“What happened there was a Russian-led misinformation campaign that distorted the truth, facts, and now there is an unfortunate situation where these two athletes are considered transgender.
Keriff made progress through Olympic matches amid international scrutiny and speculation about her sex.
“I consider myself a girl just like any other girl. I was born and raised as a girl, and lived my life as one,” Keriff told ITV. “I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, four world championships, and all of these took place before I earned a title.
