Imane’s father, Omar Khelif, has been a vocal advocate for his daughter’s right to compete. He describes her as a strong and hard-working girl and believes that she has all the qualities needed to be a successful athlete. He confidently states that his daughter emerged victorious because of her strength and resilience.
After the controversy, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit released a statement emphasizing the importance of non-discrimination in sports. They state that eligibility rules should not change during an ongoing competition. The IOC is committed to protecting the human rights of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games. They express sadness over the abuse that both Khelif and Carini have been subjected to.
Imane Khelif’s story highlights the challenges faced by athletes in overcoming gender controversies. Despite the criticism, she continues to rise above it all with the support of her father and the Algerian Olympic Committee.