Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has made history by securing an Olympic medal in the women’s 66kg category at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Algerian woman to achieve this milestone. Khelif’s recent win against Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori not only marks Algeria’s first boxing medal since 2000 but also advances her to the semi-finals, where she will face Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng.
Despite her historic achievement, Khelif has faced significant controversy regarding gender eligibility. Along with Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, Khelif has been subject to scrutiny and online harassment due to differing eligibility standards set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Boxing Association (IBA). Both athletes were previously disqualified from last year’s World Championships by the IBA following ambiguous eligibility tests but were later cleared to compete in the Paris Olympics under IOC regulations.
In an interview with SNTV, Imane Khelif urged an end to the “bullying and negative rhetoric” directed at athletes. “I call on everyone to uphold Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter and to stop bullying athletes, as it has profound and damaging effects,” she stated in Arabic. “It can destroy people’s thoughts, spirits, and minds and create division. I urge people to stop this behavior.”
Khelif expressed concern for her family, who are worried about her amidst the ongoing controversy. She hopes that winning a gold medal will be the best way to respond to her critics. She also thanked the IOC and its president, Thomas Bach, for their support, affirming, “I believe the Olympic Committee has upheld justice, and I am grateful for this resolution as it reveals the truth.”
In parallel, Lin Yu-ting, who will compete against Turkey’s Esra Yildiz in the women’s 57kg semi-final, has also been caught up in the controversy. Following her win over Bulgaria’s Svetlana Kamenova Staneva, Lin has encountered both support and criticism. Before the official decision, Staneva made a double XX gesture, alluding to the female chromosome, and seemed to snub Lin. However, after Lin was declared the winner, Staneva acknowledged her opponent’s success by opening the ropes for her.
Lin, 28, has remained focused and appreciative of the support from Taiwan. “I know that the people of Taiwan are behind me, and I will carry this energy forward. Winning this match doesn’t mean I can relax; I still need to continue working hard,” she commented after her victory over Staneva.
The Taiwan Olympic Committee has reaffirmed Lin’s eligibility to compete as per IOC rules and condemned the online abuse directed at her. The committee expressed full support for Lin, stating, “We strongly condemn the malicious online abuse and personal attacks and call for an immediate halt to such behavior.”
The experiences of Imane Khelif and Lin highlight the challenges athletes face amid ongoing debates about eligibility and the impact of online bullying. Both remain committed to their performances and representing their countries with pride.