“Imane Khelif Strikes Back at Controversial Allegations: ‘Truth Will Prevail’ — But What Lies Behind the Accusations?”
Khelif, who won gold after defeating China’s Yang Liu in the women’s 66-kilogram category, faced criticism and speculation regarding her body throughout the entire Olympic Games.
Accusations began after the Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Khelif, accusing her of twice failing unspecified gender tests at its world championships in 2022 and 2023.
The IBA has never provided substantial evidence to support its claims that the athlete possesses XY chromosomes.
The IOC stated that the tests were “not legitimate.” In 2019, it revoked the IBA’s Olympic status due to concerns with governance, corruption, and financial mismanagement.
Khelif referred to Carini as a friend and said she accepted the Italian athlete’s apologies for not shaking her hand after she withdrew from their bout
Image credits: Eurosport
Image credits: Richard Pelham / Getty
Responding to the accusations against Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, who was also disqualified from the IBA, the IOC stressed that both athletes were eligible to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“All athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit,” the IOC stated on August 1.
“We have seen in reports misleading information about two female athletes competing at the Olympic Games Paris 2024…The IOC is saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving.
