Algerian boxing champion Imane Khelif has a message for her critics, including former U.S. President Donald Trump: she’s not going anywhere. The Paris 2024 gold medalist, whose Olympic victory sparked international controversy over gender eligibility in sports, remains determined to compete at Los Angeles 2028 despite mounting opposition.
The dispute centers on contested 2023 test results from the IBA that allegedly showed male chromosomes in Khelif’s genetic makeup. While the IOC allowed her to compete in Paris, her dominant performance – including a first-round stoppage of Italian opponent Angela Carini – intensified scrutiny. Trump’s recent executive order specifically named Khelif, calling her participation “unfair” to female athletes.
“I didn’t steal anything,” Khelif fires back in an exclusive interview. “That gold medal was earned through years of training and sacrifice.” The boxer’s defiance comes at personal cost – she’s filed lawsuits against Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling for cyber-harassment after their comments allegedly caused severe distress to her family.
Yet Khelif finds strength in adversity. “The attacks only made me more determined,” she says. “My Paris gold wasn’t just about boxing – it proved I belong at this level.” As legal battles between sporting bodies continue and the LA Olympics approach, one thing is clear: Imane Khelif isn’t just fighting for medals anymore, but for her right to compete.
