Khelif Aims for Olympic Gold Amid Gender Controversy

Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif, embroiled in a gender eligibility controversy during the Paris Games, has expressed confidence in securing a second gold medal at the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order banning transgender women from women's sports, Khelif stated, "I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me." The controversy intensified after both Khelif and fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting were disqualified from the 2023 world championships based on their alleged gender eligibility, a decision that the International Olympic Committee later dismissed. Khelif described the media scrutiny as mentally challenging for her and her family, yet she feels more motivated now than before. As she prepares for the upcoming Olympics, she remains resolute, stating, "Second gold medal, of course," and emphasizes the importance of standing firm against misinformation.