Imane Khelif can now call herself a gold medalist … as she just defeated China’s Yang Liu in the women’s welterweight final at the Olympics — the first-ever top finish for an Algerian boxer.
Khelif defeated Liu just minutes ago — dominating the entire three-round contest and ending what was been a controversial Olympic run.
The 25-year-old boxer has become one of the most polarizing figures of the Paris Games.
This controversy began when the International Boxing Association declared her ineligible for the 2023 championships after unspecified tests showed she had XY chromosomes.
Her Olympics kicked off with her opening round opponent — Angela Carini — bowing out after 46 seconds … saying she had never been hit with such a powerful punch.
“My face and nose were hurting,” Carini said, according to the Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport. “I couldn’t breathe anymore. I thought about my family, I looked at my brother in the stands and I went to my corner to retire.”
Anna Luca Hamori — Khelif’s quarterfinal matchup — only fueled the fire when she posted a picture of Imane as the devil on her Instagram story. She would go on to defeat Hamori by unanimous decision.
She also took time to address the hate that has been sent her way during these games … saying bullying can destroy people.
Khelif previously said she hoped her loved ones weren’t too affected by all the outrage surrounding her … and hoped winning the gold would make it all worth it — and she did just that.
Imane Khelif’s victory at the Olympics marks a historic moment not only for Algerian boxing but for the sport as a whole. In a stunning display of skill and determination, Khelif outclassed her opponent, Yang Liu, in the women’s welterweight final to clinch the gold medal. These Games have been a rollercoaster of emotions for Khelif, who has faced controversy and adversity every step of the way.The controversy surrounding Khelif began before the Games even started when she was declared ineligible for the 2023 championships due to unspecified test results showing XY chromosomes. Despite the backlash and doubt cast upon her, Khelif maintained her focus and pushed forward with her Olympic journey.From her blistering victory over Angela Carini in the opening round to her hard-fought win against Anna Luca Hamori in the quarterfinals, Khelif has silenced her critics and proven her worth in the ring. The image of her as the devil, posted by Hamori on social media, only added fuel to the fire, but Khelif refused to let the negativity affect her performance.In a post-match interview, Khelif addressed the hate and bullying she has endured throughout the Games, emphasizing the destructive impact it can have on individuals. She expressed her hope that her loved ones were not too affected by the controversy surrounding her and that winning the gold medal would make it all worthwhile.Khelif’s victory is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and individuals facing adversity in any form. As we celebrate her historic achievement, let us also reflect on the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of challenges. Stay tuned for more updates and inspiring stories from the world of sports.
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Source: USA Today
