IMANE Khelif answered her critics the best way she can - win the gold medal.
The Algerian boxer ruled the women's 66kg class of the Paris Olympics Saturday morning (Manila time) with a unanimous decision against Yang Liu of China before an animated crowd at the Roland Garros Arena.
Quick on both her feet and fists, Kheliff was never in trouble for the entire nine minute bout which she dominated for a 5-0 victory.
The historic win made her the first Algerian female boxer to win an Olympic gold which she achieved amidst the controversy surrounding her gender eligibility.
Ironically, Yang was the same opponent she was about to face in the finals of the 2023 World Championships in New Delhi before the IBA (International Boxing Association) stepped in and didn't allow her to fight hours before the match due to a failed gender test.
Khelif's dream come true
Khelif said winning the gold was a dream come true for her despite the unfortunate circumstances behind it.
"For eight years, this has been my dream. I'm now the Olympic champion and gold medalist," she said through an interpreter following the victory.
"That also gives my success a special taste because of those attacks," added Khelif, who was carried on the shoulders of her trainer as they paraded just outside the ring while she proudly held the Algerian flag.
"We are in the Olympics to perform as athletes, and I hope that we will not see any similar attacks in future Olympics."
The Algerian is also perplexed why it's only now that questions about her gender arose, as she's been competing as a boxer as far as 2018.
"They hate me, and I don't know why," she said. "I sent them a single message with this gold medal, and that is that my dignity and honor are above all else."
Khelif again reiterated what her true gender is
"I'm fully qualified to take part in this competition. I'm a woman like any other woman. I was born as a woman, I live as a woman, and I am qualified," she said.
Another boxer who's in the same predicament as Khelif is Lin Yu-ting of Chinese Taipei will also vie for the gold Sunday morning (Manila time) in the women's 57 kg class against Polish Julia Szeremeta, who beat our very own Nesthy Petecio in the semifinals.
READ: Nesthy Petecio falls to Julia Szeremeta in massive semis upset
Lin, 28, also faces similar questions on gender like Khelif.
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