Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won her match on Saturday, securing at least a bronze medal at the Olympics. Khelif’s victory came despite concerns surrounding her gender identity, which International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach deemed “totally unacceptable” and defended the inclusion of Khelif and fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting in the Games. Questions about Khelif’s gender identity arose after she was disqualified from a global event last year, but cleared by the IOC to compete in the women’s matches at the Paris Games.
Khelif’s win was celebrated by her supporters, who dismissed criticisms and allegations against her. Her father and Algeria’s sports minister defended her, emphasizing her talent and hard work as the reasons for her presence in the Olympics. Other athletes and organizations, such as soccer player Ismaël Bennacer and the National Black Justice Collective, expressed support for Khelif and condemned the attacks against her.
Critics, including J.K. Rowling and former President Donald Trump, voiced their disapproval of the IOC’s decision and the match outcome. However, supporters like nonbinary Olympic runner Nikki Hiltz called out transphobia at the Games, emphasizing that athletes like Khelif and Yu-ting deserve to compete just like any other athlete. Despite the controversy surrounding her, Khelif’s victory on Saturday cemented her place in the competition, along with fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting, as they continue to compete in their respective events.
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