The controversial Algerian boxer Imane Khelif had a stunning makeover after her gold medal win at the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024. Khelif sparked gender debate after she was allowed to participate in women's boxing despite being a 'biological man'.
Khelif received criticism after she punched heavy blows on her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, who was forced to forfeit after 46 minutes into the bout. The International Olympic Committee was heavily criticized for allowing 'biological male' Imane Khelif to participate in women's boxing.
Despite criticism and heavy backlash, Imane Khelif received the support of the International Olympic Committee and continued her campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024. Algerian boxer clinched her maiden Olympic medal with gold by defeating Yang Liu of China in the women's welterweight final.
After the gold medal win, Imane Khelif changed her look in order to look more feminine amid the criticism over her gender. In a video that went viral, an Algerian boxer can be seen accessorising her floral top and earrings with an Olympic gold medal around her neck. It is likely to be a photoshoot for a magazine.
Imane Khelif participation in the women's boxing was questioned after she was disqualified from participating in the World Boxing Championships last year due to her failure to clear the gender eligibility test conducted by International Boxing Association.
However, Khelif became eligible to participate in the Olympics after the International Olympic Committee on the basis of gender eligibility on the athlete's passport gender. The Paris Olympics was Imane Khelif's second appearance at the Games.
Imane Khelif made her Olympic debut at the 2021 Tokyo Summer Games, where she was knocked out by Kellie Harrington of Ireland in the women's lightweight quarterfinals.
Imane Khelif gold medal was the second gold medal for Algeria after Kaylia Nemour in the women's uneven bars at the Paris Olympics 2024.
