Khelif has been one of the Olympic Games' most debated athletes. She has advanced to the semifinals in the women's 66-kilo class, which means she has already secured a medal, regardless of how it goes. In boxing, the losing semifinalists are awarded a shared bronze medal.
But her Olympic participation has been about something entirely different.
At the World Championship last year, a gender test was conducted that was rejected, and according to the International Boxing Federation, she showed X- and Y-chromosomes, which, according to the genetic setup, typically apply to men. Women usually have two X-chromosomes. The International Olympic Committee has approved her, motivated by the fact that she is listed as a woman in her passport. She has been competing against women for several years, including at the Olympic Games in 2021 in Tokyo.
During the Olympic Games, there have been strong reactions to her participation in Paris.
I'm sending a message to all people in the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic rules – stop bullying athletes. It has effects, big effects, says Khelif.
The 25-year-old continues:
It can destroy people, it can kill people's thoughts, soul, and mind. It can divide people. That's why I'm asking you to stop bullying.
