Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif’s Bold Promise Following Trump’s Order That Raises Olympic Legal Concerns

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, caught in a contentious debate over gender in sport during the Paris Olympics, has rejected “false and defamatory” claims made by the International Boxing Association (IBA).

“I have faced more knockdowns than I can remember, but I have never failed to rise again,” Khelif declared on her Instagram earlier this week.

This week, the IBA announced its intent to lodge criminal complaints against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in the US, France, and Switzerland. They argue that the IOC’s decision to permit female boxers Khelif and Lin Yu-ting to compete and claim gold medals in last year’s Paris Olympics “could provide grounds for criminal prosecution,” according to the IBA.

Khelif responded, stating she “will take all necessary legal measures to safeguard my rights and uphold the principles of fair competition.” 

“Those responsible for these actions must face accountability, and we are prepared to pursue every legal avenue to ensure that justice prevails,” she added.

Despite being barred from the Olympics, the IBA, led by Russia, has cited an executive order concerning transgender athletes from former US President Donald Trump as a basis for its criminal complaints.

Khelif accused the IBA of “repeating baseless claims that are both false and offensive, using them to further their own agenda. This issue touches not only my situation but also the broader values of fairness and due process in sport.”

The IOC has consistently asserted that both Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, who were assigned female at birth and identify as women, complied with the regulations set for the Olympic tournament. Both athletes also participated in the Tokyo Games in 2021 but did not secure medals.

In 2023, Khelif and Lin were disqualified from the world championships overseen by the IBA, which stated they had failed the eligibility requirements.

“The two female athletes named by the IBA are not transgender athletes,” the IOC reiterated on Monday.

Khelif has navigated the Olympic Games amidst intense scrutiny and uneducated speculation regarding her gender. Although she was born and raised as a woman, she became a focal point in Western discussions surrounding gender, sex, and sport after not meeting unspecified eligibility tests for female competitions from the IBA in 2023.

“I’ve encountered adversity before,” Khelif stated. “I have battled through every setback, every false allegation, and every effort to undermine my existence. And I have triumphed. Every challenge has only fortified my determination. I will continue to compete with honour and integrity.”