Khelif Advances Amid Olympic Controversy and Criticism

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has urged the public to stop the bullying and false accusations she has faced amid a gender eligibility controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Khelif, who was disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) from the 2023 World Championships, has been cleared to compete by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Critics, including high-profile figures like J.K. Rowling and Donald Trump, have wrongly claimed she is transgender. Khelif, a cisgender woman, emphasized the harmful effects of bullying on athletes' mental health. Despite the controversy, she has advanced to the semi-finals, securing at least a bronze medal. The IOC has criticized the IBA’s testing procedures, reaffirming Khelif’s eligibility and condemning the spread of misinformation.