IMANE KHELIF roared “I’m a woman” after guaranteeing herself a medal at the Paris Olympics.
The Algerian, 25, secured herself a medal by beating Hungary‘s Anna Luca Hamori in the 66kg quarter-finals.
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Imane Khelif guaranteed herself a medal at Paris 2024Credit: AP
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The Algerian was defiant in victoryCredit: AFP
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She defeated Hungary’s Anna Luca HamoriCredit: EPA
She won by unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards, screaming in delight after doing so.
Following the fight, Khelif wrapped herself in an Algeria flag.
The welterweight star turned to members of the press and defiantly yelled “I’m a woman”.
Khelif’s participation in the Paris 2024 Games has sparked debate around the world, after she failed a gender test at the Russian-led IBA sanctioned World Championships in New Delhi last year.
She was born a woman and does not identify as transgender or intersex.
It has not been specified what the exact nature of last year’s gender test was.
But the IBF have confirmed that she did not undergo testosterone examinations.
Khelif’s first round bout with Angela Carini lasted just 46 seconds, with the Italian later claiming she had “never been hit harder”.
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Carini’s tears sparked worldwide debate, with Italy‘s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni among those to criticise the situation.
While her coach also said: “I don’t know if her nose is broken. I have to speak with the girl. But many people in Italy tried to call and tell her: “Don’t go please: it’s a man, it’s dangerous for you.”
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Carini herself later apologised to Khelif, telling Gazzetta dello Sport: “All this controversy makes me sad.
“I’m sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.”
Carini went on to admit she regretted not shaking hands with Khelif, adding: “It wasn’t something I intended to do.
“Actually, I want to apologise to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke.”
She also said that if she met Khelif again, she would “embrace her”.
