The Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who took gold in the 66-kilo class, commented on the discussions and criticism she faced during the Olympic Games after her gender was questioned.
I am qualified to participate in this competition. I am a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, I live as a woman, and I am qualified, said Imane Khelif on Friday evening.
When she rushed straight to her coach, who lifted her onto his shoulders, after her final victory over Chinese Yang Liu, she said that the Olympic gold was something she had dreamed of for eight years and commented on the criticism she faced.
The attacks give a special flavor to my victory, said Khelif.
The reason Khelif has been so debated is that she was disqualified at the World Championship last year after, according to the International Boxing Federation, showing both X and Y chromosomes, which, according to the genetic setup, usually applies to men.
