Imane Khelif, who has been the subject of bullying and criticism all throughout Paris 2024, shook off the negativity to win the Olympic gold medal in the women's 66kg division.
Unbowed, unbent, unbroken.
Imane Khelif, who has been the subject of scrutiny, criticism, and bullying regarding her gender, defied all negativity to win Algeria's first Olympic gold medal in women's boxing during Paris 2024.
The judges were simply unanimous in all three rounds for the Algerian against China's Yang Liu, with marks of 30-27 in all five scorecards.
Khelif's joy in claiming the ultimate prize was palpable, striking a pose for the cameras before hugging her coaches, then carrying the Algerian flag as she was taken on a piggyback ride.
It's been a wild ride for Imane, starting from the first round where she won in 46 seconds after Italy's Angela Carini quit due to severe pain in her nose.
[ALSO READ: Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who faced gender test issues, wins after opponent quits in Paris 2024]
This caused a firestorm of a debate regarding Khelif's gender. She was, at points, misidentified as transgender or biologically male, as the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified the Algerian in the 2023 World Championships for failing their eligibility criteria.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) though insisted there is no transgender issue with Khelif and Chinese Taipei's Lin Yu-Ting, noting how they have competed in women's tournaments over the years in both the Olympics and in IBA-sanctioned contests.
It should also be noted that changing genders is illegal.
[ALSO READ: EXPLAINED | IOC defends boxers Imane Khelif, Lin Yu-ting in Paris 2024 controversy, IBA reiterates their ineligibility]
IBA said in an early statement that the athletes "did not undergo a testosterone examination but were subject to a separate and recognized test, whereby the specifics remain confidential."
But the IOC declared it to be "so flawed" because only select athletes were selected for the unspecified test--an example of profiling, or being singled out due to suspicions.
IBA later said they conducted blood tests on four fighters, which showed elevated levels of testosterone--a direct contradiction to their earlier statement.
The pressure got to Khelif that after her win in the quarterfinals--assuring her of a medal--she broke down.
Khelif then spoke to SNTV and asked the public to refrain from bullying.
"I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles, according to the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes because this thing has effects, massive effects. It can destroy people, it can kill people's thoughts, spirit, and mind. And it can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying, and that's it," Khelif said in Arabic.
[ALSO READ: Embattled boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting reach Paris 2024 gold medal match; IBA testing called into question]
With the gold on her neck, Khelif can only bow to the cheering Algerian crowd. Yet her thoughts, spirit, and mind are unbent. And here in Paris, she is unbroken.