“Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside of them- a desire, a dream, a vision.” -Muhammed Ali

Imane Khelif is facing extreme backlash after a questionable match against Italian boxer, Angela Carini, at the 2024 Olympics. Many of the most intense and passionate boxing matches persist until the final bell. However, Imane Khelif secured a swift and fast win after her boxing opponent, Angela Carini, tapped out after the first punch thrown by Khelif, quitting within under a minute. It has also been rumored that Khelif striked Angela Carini with such powerful force that Carinis’ headgear supposedly became dislodged twice. Carini spoke out about the incident, claiming that she withdrew from the match because “I had to safeguard my life.”

At the previous 2024 Olympics, Khelif and second female boxer Lin Yu-Ting were banned by the International Boxing Association (IBA) after receiving unspecified gender results on the world championships eligibility test. Imane and Yu-Ting have consistently competed as women and have never identified as transgender. However, questions and concerns have been raised globally about the morals and fairness of the match, and whether she should be allowed to continue in the women’s olympics. 

Imane Khelif is an Algerian boxer, who represented her country for the 2024 Olympics. Following her rather scandalous punch, many people questioned if she should be allowed to compete in women’s boxing. Rumors have circulated that Khelif has XY chromosomes after supposedly failing two gender confirmation tests. Hypothetically, if Imane Khelif does have XY chromosomes she would be considered intersexual. However, this has not been confirmed nor denied. The Russian boxing federation has refused to release information regarding the results of the tests.

International Committee Spokesman, Mark Adams, followed the issue stating that “I think we all have a responsibility to dial this down and not turn it into some kind of witch hunt, these are regular athletes who have competed for many years in boxing, they are entirely eligible and they are women on their passports.” regarding both Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Tang. These rumors have circulated far from the ring and have spread throughout the media, including Olympic officials who called the event a “minefield.” However, in Roland-Garros Stadium, hundreds of flags were laid over chairs with both men and women cheering for Imane. Imane told reporters, “I want to tell the entire world I am a female.” She has also fought misconceptions about her gender by saying the event “harms human dignity.” Khelif explains that there should be a stop to bullying, especially athletes. Khelif says she has been greatly affected by the wave of criticism after the match. Khelif says “I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and Olympic charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects.” Khelif said on Sunday night during an interview with SNTV. Khelif then goes on to say that such bullying can kill peoples “thoughts, spirits, and mind.” Khelif has decided to rise above the hatred from others and work her hardest for the remainder of the competition. She declares, “I don’t care about criticism. I care about competition. God willing, I will perform well in the final.” Agree or disagree towards Khelif taking role in the female Olympics, her attitude and perseverance during a trying time of hatred, hostility, and torment is a lesson that the world at large could learn from. 

Oftentimes, we as people are quick to judge others. We hear rumors about a person, and begin to shape our opinion on them without knowing all of the facts. I think a huge lesson to draw from this incident is to remember that when we are pouring hatred into the world, whether this be physically or on social media, we are discussing an actual, genuine person with emotions. Sure, it is much easier to judge a situation you aren’t in or do not have all the information about, but imagine if you were in the same predicament as Khelif. The whole world is discussing who you know yourself to be, and tearing you down. This would be an awful, gut-wrenching feeling for anyone. I think everyone should take this as a learning moment to be more open-minded, kind, and understanding. You never truly know what others are enduring, and it is always best to have empathy for others. We must always remember to treat people with kindness, and remember that we are all people who deserve respect and compassion.

As famous author Terry Prachett once said, “Evil begins when you begin to treat people as things.” -Terry Pratchett, “I Shall Wear Midnight”