Olympics

'Failed Gender Test' Olympic Boxer Imane Khelif Breaks Silence On Eligibility Controversy

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Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif has spoken out after her eligibility for competing at the Paris Games has been brought into question, sparking international outrage. To point out, the International Boxing Association previously ruled that both Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-Ting were not eligible to fight at the 2023 World Championships last year, and that they have XY chromosomes which is found in biological males.

"Both Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting post testing, did not meet the required eligibility criteria to compete within the female category of our respective events," the IBA said in a statement. "The urgent nature of the decision (to disqualify the boxers) was justified, as the safety of our boxers is our top priority."

The International Olympic Committee seemingly has more relaxed regulations as they let both fighters compete, due to their passports saying they are female.

Khelif finally talked up against all of the criticism, with her message to the world being that she wants the hatred to stop, as she expressed this in a sit-down interview with SNTV on Sunday.

"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."

Many fans have highlighted the unfairness between Khelif and Lin, who have "elevated levels of testosterone," when Italy's Angela Carini bowed out of a fight after just 46 seconds.

"My face and nose were hurting, I've never been hit with such a powerful punch," Carini said after her Olympic dreams came to an end.

In regards to their overall performances at the Paris Olympics, Khelif, 25, and Lin, 28, have dominated the competition, winning easily with 5-0 unanimous decisions in each of the matchups, as they are now both in the semi-finals in their respective weight classes.

Due to their success, this has led to many calling out Khelif and Lin as they are being targeted because they are seen as having a competitive advantage.

Just like everyone is worried about Khelif's opponents, she said her family is worried about her due to all the backlash received.

"God willing this crisis will culminate in a gold medal and that would be the best response."

Khelif will face off with Thailand's Janjaem Suwannapheng in the Olympic semi-final (women's 66-kg division), and this will be broadcasted Tuesday, August 6 at 4:30 pm ET.

Notably, this fight is a rematch from the World Championship semi-final, in which Khelif was later disqualified after defeating Suwannapheng.

With the gender questions still not 100% answered, the response of indignation from fans around the world will undoubtedly not let up.

Related: Women's Boxing Gender Controversy At Olympics: Former Chair Of IBA Medical Committee Confirms That Neither Of The Two 'Failed Gender Test' Fighters Are Biologically Female

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