Imane Khelif has become the target of hatred from thousands of people who, since her debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, have relentlessly criticized her and belittled her talent and discipline, falsely claiming that the boxer was a trans woman.
Transphobia surged last week after Imane faced Italian boxer Angela Carini in a fight that lasted only 47 seconds, sparking an endless debate on social media about whether trans people should participate in the competition.
Worst of all, Khelif received thousands of negative comments, despite it being later confirmed that the Algerian boxer is not a trans woman, but a woman by birth who identifies and lives as such.
Today, after the athlete won her last fight, secured a medal for Algeria, and continues her quest for Olympic gold, her father decided to break his silence and defend his daughter from the hate she has received in recent days.
Imane Khelif’s Father Speaks Out
Omar Khelif, father of Imane Khelif, gave an interview to Reuters where he put an end to doubts about his daughter’s gender, and expressed how proud he is to see his little girl fulfilling her dreams.
Imane’s father assured that his daughter is a strong and brave woman, who has always had a love for sports, which he and his family have always supported. He also criticized the actions of Italian boxer Angela Carini after the fight with his Imane.
“My daughter is a girl; she was raised as a girl. She is a strong girl; I raised her to work hard and be brave. She won her fight against Carini because she was stronger, and the other was weak,” he said.
He reiterated that despite the merciless criticism Imane Khelif has received, she has already become an Algerian heroine and a role model for the girls of her country by giving Algeria its first Olympic medal in boxing since 2000.
Read also: (VIDEO) Angela Carini’s Fake Injuries: What Explains the Case with Imane Khelif
“Imane is an example of an Algerian woman; she is one of the heroines of Algeria. God willing, she will honor us with a gold medal and proudly wave the flag of Algeria in Paris. That has been our goal from the beginning,” said Omar Khelif.
There is no doubt that the 2024 Olympic Games have brought out the worst in some people who, based on fake news, have used their words to try to destroy a woman who seeks only to raise her country’s flag. Meanwhile, we stand with Imane.
THIS!❤️🔥
Imane Khelif bursts into tears after destroying Hamori (who had called her a devil man) 0-5 !
She’s now into semis & guaranteed herself a medal, after she was subjected to abuse by rightwing incels worldwide because a white girl couldn’t beat her.
UNREAL COURAGE❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/0RFJpJd7kd
— Waseem ವಸೀಮ್ وسیم (@WazBLR) August 3, 2024
