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Imane Khelif made history on Friday when she became an Olympic boxing champion.
Last year, Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships by the International Boxing Association for failing to meet their eligibility requirements for the women’s competition. IBA President Umar Kremlev told the Russian news agency Tass that Khelif was disqualified because “it was proven’ that the boxer had ‘XY chromosomes.”
The International Olympic Committee disagreed with the IBA’s ruling and allowed Khelif to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Via ESPN
“These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA,” the IOC said in its statement. “Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process. “According to the IBA minutes available on their website, this decision was initially taken solely by the IBA Secretary General and CEO.”
On Friday, Khelif won the gold medal in dominating fashion against China’s Yang Liu in the finals.
#Gold medal for Algeria! 🇩🇿
Congratulations to Imane Khelif, clinching first place in boxing women's 66kg. 🥊#Boxing | #Paris2024 | #Samsung | #TogetherforTomorrow pic.twitter.com/KRx4BnmFDN
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 9, 2024
Khelif is now the first woman from Algeria to win a gold medal in boxing.