Algerian boxer Imane Khelif responds to Trump’s comments

Algerian boxer Iman Khelif has rejected remarks made by former US President Donald Trump, reaffirming her commitment to defending her Olympic title at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

This comes amid controversy following her gold medal victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Khelif Responds to Trump’s Claims

In an interview with British broadcaster ITV that aired Wednesday, Khelif addressed the controversy directly:
"Let me give you a clear answer: The US president made a decision regarding transgender policies in America. I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and I am not afraid. That is my answer."

Khelif’s victory in the welterweight division at the Paris Olympics drew widespread attention after she and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who won featherweight gold, faced scrutiny over gender eligibility. Both were previously ruled ineligible for the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) world championships in 2023, though no clear explanation was provided. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) later allowed them to compete in Paris under its rules.

Trump had falsely claimed that Khelif was a transgender athlete, sparking widespread debate. His comments were echoed by prominent figures such as Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling, further fueling media scrutiny.

The controversy intensified when the IBA—suspended from the Olympic organization in 2019 and officially expelled in 2023—held an impromptu press conference during the 2024 tournament.

The association claimed Khelif and Lin had “competitive advantages over other female competitors” but failed to provide further details. An IOC spokesperson later confirmed the two were “eligible by the rules of the federation” to compete as women.

Both Khelif and Lin were assigned female at birth and have always identified as women.

In her interview, Khelif dismissed the IBA’s authority, calling it “a thing of the past” and saying it “lacks credibility.”

“As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear,” she said. “The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics — the injustice was exposed, and later, the truth was acknowledged by the Olympic Committee in Paris.”

Aiming for a Second Olympic Gold

When asked about her future ambitions, Khelif confidently stated:
"A second gold medal, of course. In America, Los Angeles."

Media Pressure and Family Struggles

Khelif revealed that the intense media coverage had taken a toll on her mental health, adding that her mother had been visiting the hospital almost daily due to the stress faced by the family.

“Even my mother was deeply affected — she was going to the hospital almost every day,” Khelif said. “My relatives were also impacted, and the entire Algerian people felt the weight of the situation. This went beyond just a sporting issue or a game; it escalated into a major media campaign that could have had a severe negative effect on me, my family, and my psychological well-being.”

Despite the challenges, Khelif remains determined to continue her boxing career, with her sights set on defending her Olympic title at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. 

“Being an Olympic champion as a Muslim woman in an Arab nation is something truly special,” she said. “I believe the inspiration from the Paris Olympics has grown, and many young people now feel motivated and want to enter this field, boxing. From my side, I want to give them all the encouragement they need.”