Imane Khelif Responds to Donald Trump’s Controversial Remarks After Olympic Boxing Victory

Algerian Boxing Champion Hits Back at Trump’s Gender Remarks Following Gold Medal Win

Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxing champion who recently won Olympic gold in Paris, has delivered a strong response to former U.S. President Donald Trump after he publicly referred to her as a man. Trump’s remarks, made during a rally in Montana, came in the wake of Khelif’s triumphant victory, where she secured her place as a leading female athlete on the global stage.

Trump, known for his controversial and often inflammatory rhetoric, mocked Khelif by incorrectly suggesting that she is transgender. This statement followed widespread scrutiny of Khelif’s gender eligibility, a topic that had already drawn significant attention and controversy.

During an interview with El Birad in Algeria, Khelif expressed her frustration and disappointment with Trump’s comments, stating, “Immediately after, there was a lot of noise from politicians, athletes, stars, artists—Elon Musk and Donald Trump—and that hurt me a lot. I cannot describe how scared I was.”

Khelif, who has been subjected to intense global scrutiny over her gender, was particularly hurt by Trump’s insinuations. The 25-year-old boxer emphasized that the backlash had deeply affected her, both emotionally and mentally. “This affected me. I’m not lying to you; it affected me a lot. It hurt a lot. I can’t describe the fear I had, but thank God I was able to overcome it,” she said, expressing gratitude for the support she received from the people of Algeria and the Arab world.

Khelif also criticized the intrusion of politics into sports, stating, “Honestly, I don’t like to get into politics in sports, but they got politics into sport. Sports and politics are two separate things. These politicians who are oppressing me, they don’t have the right to say I am transgender.”

The remarks made by Trump have been widely criticized for their insensitivity and misinformation. Trump’s comments included a reference to Khelif’s opponent, Angela Carini of Italy, who withdrew from their fight after being struck by Khelif. He further mocked the situation by acting out the punch during his rally speech, adding to the controversy.

Khelif, who has faced challenges regarding her gender identity in the past, was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships after failing unspecified gender eligibility tests administered by the now-banned International Boxing Association. Despite these challenges, Khelif remains steadfast in her identity, stating, “I’m fully qualified to take part in this competition. I’m a woman like any other woman. I was born as a woman, I live as a woman, and I am qualified.”

As the controversy continues, Khelif has reportedly filed a cyberbullying lawsuit in France, which includes prominent figures such as Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling, alongside Trump. The lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes like Khelif, who must navigate not only the physical demands of their sport but also the societal pressures and political interference that often accompany their achievements.