Current:Home > StocksOlympic boxing champion Imane Khelif says her critics are just 'enemies of success'-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif says her critics are just 'enemies of success'
View Date:2024-12-23 20:31:38
PARIS – Imane Khelif’s words were as powerful as her punches Friday night.
“I am a woman,’’ she said while speaking Arabic in a room full of reporters, adding that she was born a woman and always has been a woman.
Khelif, the 25-year-old Algerian boxer, won a gold medal by defeating China’s Yang Liu on points by unanimous decision at Roland-Garros Stadium on Friday night. Later, at a press conference that followed the medal ceremony, she was asked about competing after her gender had been questioned.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said Khelif has met all criteria and that there’s no question she is a woman. That didn't stop abuse on social media and inaccurate online speculation about her gender.
“They are enemies, enemies of success,’’ Khelif said of her critics.
2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.
Of those enemies, Khelif said, “That also gives my success a special taste.’’
While hate continued to pile up on social media, thousands of Algerians helped pack the arenas during Khelif's bouts. They erupted in cheers and chanted her name yet again during the gold-medal match at Roland-Garros Stadium.
“The audience and the fans played an important role as they supported me,’’ said Khelif, who won all four of her bouts at the Olympics. “That support gave me strength.’’
A reporter noted that Algerian women in attendance were particularly vocal and angry about what Khelif had endured. In response, Khelif said Algerian women are known for their strength and for being valiant and that with their support for her they had sent a message to the Arab world.
“That our honor is above everything else,’’ Khelif said.
veryGood! (648)
Related
- Mason Bates’ Met-bound opera ‘Kavalier & Clay’ based on Michael Chabon novel premieres in Indiana
- Colts QB Anthony Richardson throws touchdown, interception in preseason game vs. Bengals
- RFK Jr. withdraws from Arizona ballot as questions swirl around a possible alliance with Trump
- Asa Hutchinson to join University of Arkansas law school faculty next year
- Nearly 80,000 pounds of Costco butter recalled for missing 'Contains Milk statement': FDA
- Judges dismiss suit alleging Tennessee’s political maps discriminate against communities of color
- Doctor charged in death of Matthew Perry is returning to work this week, attorney says
- Lady Gaga debuts French bulldog puppy 3 years after dognapping
- Jon Gruden joins Barstool Sports three years after email scandal with NFL
- Nine MLB contenders most crushed by injuries with pennant race heating up
Ranking
- Whoopi Goldberg Shares Very Relatable Reason She's Remained on The View
- A dreaded, tree-killing beetle has reached North Dakota
- Gabourey Sidibe’s 4-Month-Old Twin Babies Are Closer Than Ever in Cute Video
- Bridgerton Star Jonathan Bailey Addresses Show’s “Brilliant” Gender-Swapped Storyline
- The USDA is testing raw milk for the avian flu. Is raw milk safe?
- Floridians balk at DeSantis administration plan to build golf courses at state parks
- Cincinnati Reds' Elly De La Cruz joins rare club with 20-homer, 60-steal season
- What to know about Labor Day and its history
Recommendation
-
Tech consultant testifies that ‘bad joke’ led to deadly clash with Cash App founder Bob Lee
-
Miranda Lambert to Receive the Country Icon Award at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards
-
FDA approves updated COVID-19 vaccines, shots should be available in days
-
Hungary says it will provide free tickets to Brussels for migrants trying to enter the EU
-
Mattel says it ‘deeply’ regrets misprint on ‘Wicked’ dolls packaging that links to porn site
-
Vermont police officer facing charge of aggravated assault during arrest
-
5-year-old Utah boy dies from accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound
-
Evictions for making too many 911 calls happen. The Justice Department wants it to stop.