Imane Khelif

thumb|Imane Khelif at the 2023 Pan Arab Games Imane Khelif (إيمان خليفʾ,Īmān Khalīf; born 2 May 1999) is an Algerian professional boxer. Quotes I'm fully qualified, I'm a woman, I was born a woman, I lived a woman, there's no doubt about that.These people, they are the enemies of success, it's what I call them, it gives my success a special taste because of these attacks. Statement after winning a Gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, as cited in "Imane Khelif: Gender-row Olympic boxer names JK Rowling and Elon Musk in cyber bullying legal complaint", Evening Standard (14 August 2024) Khelif participated in the Women's Welterweight event. “  I don’t know his motivation. I do my job, what I can. [...] It’s beyond me. To this day, I don’t know what the problem is with me. I never imagined I would reach this level. I don’t like what’s happening to me, I didn’t ask anyone for anything ,” Boxer Imane Khelif responds to Donald Trump: "I am not trans, I am a girl" lequipe.fr ( February 4, 2026) "If I could say something to him? Mr. President, I'm working to get you to come and give me a medal in Los Angeles." Boxer Imane Khelif responds to Donald Trump: "I am not trans, I am a girl" lequipe.fr ( February 4, 2026) “  I respect everyone, and I respect Trump because he’s the president of the United States. But he can’t twist the truth. I’m not trans, I’m a girl. I was raised as a girl, I grew up as a girl, people in my village have always known me as a girl. I respect him if he respects the truth. If I could say something to him? Mr. President, I’m a girl, a young Arab Muslim woman, a boxer. And I’m working so you can come and give me a medal on the podium in Los Angeles (she laughs).” Boxer Imane Khelif responds to Donald Trump: "I am not trans, I am a girl" lequipe.fr ( February 4, 2026) “I have nothing to do with transgender. I know myself. I was born female. I was raised as a girl. I went to school as a girl. I played sports as a girl. I have always been female.” transcripts prod.transcripts.cnn.com(February 05, 2026) “I want to clarify to people, to the president, and to all the politicians who are exploiting my image as if I'm transgender, that I have nothing to do with transgender. I'm just an athlete. My dream is to play sports. Please do not exploit me in your political agendas.” transcripts prod.transcripts.cnn.com(February 05, 2026) “It is really hurtful to see the president of a country talking about you like this.” transcripts prod.transcripts.cnn.com(February 05, 2026) “I want to live my life... Please do not exploit me in your political agendas.” transcripts prod.transcripts.cnn.com(February 05, 2026) “Boxing does not only rely on the level of testosterone. Boxing relies on intelligence, on experience and on discipline.” transcripts prod.transcripts.cnn.com(February 05, 2026) “Even if I have a higher level of this hormone testosterone, it's natural.” transcripts prod.transcripts.cnn.com(February 05, 2026) For a year and a half before the Paris Olympics, I was lowering my testosterone level. And everyone can review the blood tests that they were done by anti-doping agency.” transcripts prod.transcripts.cnn.com(February 05, 2026) “Of course, I would accept doing anything I'm required to do to participate in competitions.” transcripts prod.transcripts.cnn.com(February 05, 2026) “They need to understand that while protecting women, they shouldn't hurt other women.” transcripts prod.transcripts.cnn.com(February 05, 2026) "Challenge the status quo. When you have the courage to face the world with your truth, that is an achievement. Exclusive: Iman Khalif reveals to CNN her willingness to undergo genetic testing, on one condition... and responds to Trump CNN ( February 5, 2026) "What happened during the Olympics caused me psychological trauma, for me and my family... but I'm still here. I'm still fighting. I'm still boxing." Exclusive: Iman Khalif reveals to CNN her willingness to undergo genetic testing, on one condition... and responds to Trump CNN ( February 5, 2026) "All these circumstances... made it difficult. But all these circumstances are now part of the past." Exclusive: Iman Khalif reveals to CNN her willingness to undergo genetic testing, on one condition... and responds to Trump CNN ( February 5, 2026) "It was very difficult for Algerian society and the village where I lived to accept it, especially for the neighbors who were used to seeing me come home from training late at night. They considered it strange, a girl coming home late at night from the boxing gym and practicing boxing, which was considered a sport reserved for men." Exclusive: Iman Khalif reveals to CNN her willingness to undergo genetic testing, on one condition... and responds to Trump CNN ( February 5, 2026) "I was born this way, of course I have hormonal differences, but I lower my testosterone levels based on my doctor's recommendations," explaining: "Boxing does not depend on testosterone levels, but rather on intelligence, experience and discipline." Exclusive: Iman Khalif reveals to CNN her willingness to undergo genetic testing, on one condition... and responds to Trump CNN ( February 5, 2026) "He is older than me." Exclusive: Iman Khalif reveals to CNN her willingness to undergo genetic testing, on one condition... and responds to Trump CNN ( February 5, 2026) "I will not give up until I get my rights, because I know that the right is on my side above all else." Exclusive: Iman Khalif reveals to CNN her willingness to undergo genetic testing, on one condition... and responds to Trump CNN ( February 5, 2026) "When they published my name, they caused another crisis for me. They caused more controversy and another campaign against me." Exclusive: Iman Khalif reveals to CNN her willingness to undergo genetic testing, on one condition... and responds to Trump CNN ( February 5, 2026) "will ensure the safety of all participants and provide a level playing field in competition between men and women." Exclusive: Iman Khalif reveals to CNN her willingness to undergo genetic testing, on one condition... and responds to Trump CNN ( February 5, 2026) "They should protect women, but they must be careful that while protecting women, they should not harm other women." Exclusive: Iman Khalif reveals to CNN her willingness to undergo genetic testing, on one condition... and responds to Trump CNN ( February 5, 2026) "Of course, I will accept doing whatever is required of me to participate in the competitions," stressing that she respects the International Olympic Committee and its authority. Exclusive: Iman Khalif reveals to CNN her willingness to undergo genetic testing, on one condition... and responds to Trump CNN ( February 5, 2026) "I am not transgender. I am a woman. I want to live my life... Pleasedon't exploit me for your political agendas," Exclusive: Iman Khalif reveals to CNN her willingness to undergo genetic testing, on one condition... and responds to Trump CNN ( February 5, 2026) “I will give you a straightforward answer: the US President issued a decision related to transgender policies in America. I am not transgender. This does not concern me and it does not intimidate me.” Imane Khelif hits back at Donald Trump and targets Olympic gold in LA theguardian.com (19 March 2025) “As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear. The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics – the injustice was exposed and, later, the truth was acknowledged by the [IOC] in Paris. Imane Khelif hits back at Donald Trump and targets Olympic gold in LA theguardian.com (19 March 2025) “I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl and have lived my entire life as one. I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four world championships. Imane Khelif hits back at Donald Trump and targets Olympic gold in LA theguardian.com (19 March 2025) “All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles, but once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started. Imane Khelif hits back at Donald Trump and targets Olympic gold in LA theguardian.com (19 March 2025) “I have been knocked down more times than I can count. But I have never stayed down,” Algerian boxer Imane Khelif says she’s ‘never stayed down’ and vows to fight back after lawsuit apnews.com (12 February 2025) “will take all necessary legal steps to ensure that my rights and the principles of fair competition are upheld.” Algerian boxer Imane Khelif says she’s ‘never stayed down’ and vows to fight back after lawsuit apnews.com (12 February 2025) “Those responsible of these actions must be held accountable, and we will pursue all available legal avenues to ensure that justice prevails,” Algerian boxer Imane Khelif says she’s ‘never stayed down’ and vows to fight back after lawsuit apnews.com (12 February 2025) “again made baseless accusations that are false and offensive, using them to further their agenda. This is a matter that concerns not just me but the broader principles of fairness and due process in sport.” Algerian boxer Imane Khelif says she’s ‘never stayed down’ and vows to fight back after lawsuit apnews.com (12 February 2025) “The two female athletes mentioned by IBA are not transgender athletes,” Algerian boxer Imane Khelif says she’s ‘never stayed down’ and vows to fight back after lawsuit apnews.com (12 February 2025) “I have fought through every setback, every false accusation, every attempt to erase me. And I have won. Each obstacle has only strengthened my resolve. I will continue to compete with honor and integrity.” Algerian boxer Imane Khelif says she’s ‘never stayed down’ and vows to fight back after lawsuit apnews.com (12 February 2025) "For two years, I have taken the high road while my name and image have been used, unauthorised, to further personal and political agendas through the spreading and dissemination of baseless lies and misinformation," 'I'm not going anywhere' - Khelif on legal action BBC (12 February 2025) "But silence is no longer an option. 'I'm not going anywhere' - Khelif on legal action BBC (12 February 2025) "I am not going anywhere. I will fight in the ring, I will fight in the courts and I will fight in the public eye until the truth is undeniable." 'I'm not going anywhere' - Khelif on legal action BBC (12 February 2025) “I have been knocked down more times than I can count. But I have never stayed down,” Algerian boxer Imane Khelif says she’s ‘never stayed down’ and vows to fight back after lawsuit apnews.com (12 February 2025) “will take all necessary legal steps to ensure that my rights and the principles of fair competition are upheld.” Algerian boxer Imane Khelif says she’s ‘never stayed down’ and vows to fight back after lawsuit apnews.com (12 February 2025) “Those responsible of these actions must be held accountable, and we will pursue all available legal avenues to ensure that justice prevails,” Algerian boxer Imane Khelif says she’s ‘never stayed down’ and vows to fight back after lawsuit apnews.com (12 February 2025) “again made baseless accusations that are false and offensive, using them to further their agenda. This is a matter that concerns not just me but the broader principles of fairness and due process in sport.” Algerian boxer Imane Khelif says she’s ‘never stayed down’ and vows to fight back after lawsuit apnews.com (12 February 2025) “I have seen adversity before,” Algerian boxer Imane Khelif says she’s ‘never stayed down’ and vows to fight back after lawsuit apnews.com (12 February 2025) “I have fought through every setback, every false accusation, every attempt to erase me. And I have won. Each obstacle has only strengthened my resolve. I will continue to compete with honor and integrity.” Algerian boxer Imane Khelif says she’s ‘never stayed down’ and vows to fight back after lawsuit apnews.com (12 February 2025) "I have learned so much from this campaign against me, and what happened at the Paris Olympics was an eye-opening experience. I feel even stronger now than I was before." Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) “This experience has taught me a lot. I believe that if the old Imane operated at 50% of her potential, then the Imane Khalif of today is even more motivated and determined. Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) "Of course, I defend with everything I have this gold medal… I continue my dream, my everything." Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) "I will give you a straightforward answer: the US president issued a decision related to transgender policies in America. I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me. That is my response. Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) "I aim to achieve even greater results and to send powerful messages that serve as life lessons for young people. I want to be a source of motivation and a positive example for anyone who looks up to me." Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) "I believe the inspiration from the Paris Olympics has grown, and many young people now feel motivated and want to enter this field, boxing. From my side, I want to give them all the encouragement they need. Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) "Of course, being an Olympic champion, a Muslim, and an Arab is something truly special, especially in a sport like boxing, where the majority of athletes are men. However, this sport is now gaining significant popularity in Islamic and Arab countries, where people have developed a great love for it. Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) "I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one," Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) "I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four World Championships. All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles. But once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started." Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) "For me, I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one. Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) "I have no idea about that topic. The IOC has a team of experts and specialists handling such matters. I don’t have any information on this, nor is it my place to comment on it," Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) “I hope the next president of the IOC leads with true sportsmanship, stays committed to Olympic principles, and upholds the values of fair play.’’ Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) “As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear. The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics – the injustice was exposed, and later, the truth was acknowledged by the Olympic Committee in Paris.’’ Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) “The IBA is not recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which means this federation lacks credibility and is not trusted within the Olympic Games… At this point, I can say that the IBA is a thing of the past," Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) ‘‘I was deeply affected mentally and felt discouraged, but I remained aware of what was happening. Even during the Paris Olympics, I had a team of specialist doctors who provided me with support and assistance. Without their support, I might have fallen into a spiral of depression.’’ Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) “It affected me mentally, as well as my family. Even my mother was deeply affected – she was going to the hospital almost every day. My relatives were also impacted, and the entire Algerian people felt the weight of the situation. This went beyond just a sporting issue or a game; it escalated into a major media campaign that could have had a severe negative effect on me, my family, and my psychological well-being," Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) "They were speaking just for the sake of talking, without any reliable or documented information. I also noticed on social media that people were discussing the issue without any trustworthy sources. That was what affected me the most in the beginning – why was I, Imane Khalif, the target of such a campaign?’’ Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) “When I saw that even heads of state, famous figures, and former athletes were speaking about me without having verified facts, it shocked me," Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) "This went beyond just a sporting issue or a game," Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) "I believe the gold medal at the Paris Olympics was the best medal of the entire Games. It was a victory that held significance on every level – ethical, athletic, and even in terms of sportsmanship.’’ Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) ‘‘I won the gold medal, which was the best response after all the bullying I was subjected to. My response during the Paris Olympics was always in the ring. And responding by winning the gold medal was even better," Imane Khelif: I will defend Olympic Gold in LA, and Trump does not intimidate me itv.com ( 4 February 2026 ) “As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear. The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics – the injustice was exposed and, later, the truth was acknowledged by the [IOC] in Paris. Imane Khelif hits back at Donald Trump and targets Olympic gold in LA the guardian (March19,2025) “I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl and have lived my entire life as one. I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four world championships. Imane Khelif hits back at Donald Trump and targets Olympic gold in LA the guardian (March19,2025) “All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles, but once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started. Imane Khelif hits back at Donald Trump and targets Olympic gold in LA the guardian (March19,2025) “I will give you a straightforward answer: the US President issued a decision related to transgender policies in America. I am not transgender. This does not concern me and it does not intimidate me.” Imane Khelif hits back at Donald Trump and targets Olympic gold in LA the guardian (March19,2025) “Second gold medal, of course. In America, Los Angeles.” Imane Khelif hits back at Donald Trump and targets Olympic gold in LA the guardian (March19,2025) “I believe that if the old Imane operated at 50 percent of her potential, then the Imane Khelif of today is even more motivated and determined.” Imane Khelif hits back at Donald Trump and targets Olympic gold in LA the guardian (March19,2025) “At this point, I can say that the IBA is a thing of the past.” Imane Khelif hits back at Donald Trump and targets Olympic gold in LA the guardian (March19,2025) “As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear.” Imane Khelif hits back at Donald Trump and targets Olympic gold in LA the guardian (March19,2025) “I hope the next president of the IOC leads with true sportsmanship, stays committed to Olympic principles, and upholds the values of fair play.” Imane Khelif hits back at Donald Trump and targets Olympic gold in LA the guardian (March19,2025) “I am fully qualified to take part in this competition. I’m a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, I lived a woman, I competed as a woman, there’s no doubt about that.” ‘I am a woman’: Imane Khelif hits back in gender row after claiming gold The guardians (10 August 2024) “They are enemies of success, that is what I call them. And that also gives my success a special taste because of these attacks.” ‘I am a woman’: Imane Khelif hits back in gender row after claiming gold The guardians (10 August 2024) “My honour is intact now.” ‘I am a woman’: Imane Khelif hits back in gender row after claiming gold The guardians (10 August 2024) “The attacks that I heard in social media were extremely bad and they are meaningless and they impact the dignity of people and I think that now people’s thinking has changed.” ‘I am a woman’: Imane Khelif hits back in gender row after claiming gold The guardians (10 August 2024) “As for the IBA, since 2018 I have been boxing under their umbrella. They know me very well, they know what I’m capable of, they know how I’ve developed over the years but now they are not recognised any more.” ‘I am a woman’: Imane Khelif hits back in gender row after claiming gold The guardians (10 August 2024) “They hate me and I don’t know why.” ‘I am a woman’: Imane Khelif hits back in gender row after claiming gold The guardians (10 August 2024) “I send them a single message: with this gold medal, my dignity, my honour is above everything else.” ‘I am a woman’: Imane Khelif hits back in gender row after claiming gold The guardians (10 August 2024) “I am a woman like any other woman.” Attacks over gender make gold sweeter - Khelif BBC (9 August 2024) “I was born a woman. I have lived as a woman. I competed as a woman — there is no doubt about that.” Attacks over gender make gold sweeter - Khelif BBC (9 August 2024) “That also gives my success a special taste because of these attacks.” Attacks over gender make gold sweeter - Khelif BBC (9 August 2024) “They know me very well. They know what I am capable of, how I have developed over the years, but now they are not recognised any more.” Attacks over gender make gold sweeter - Khelif BBC (9 August 2024) “They hate me and I really don’t know why.” Attacks over gender make gold sweeter - Khelif BBC (9 August 2024) “My dignity and honour is above everything else.” Attacks over gender make gold sweeter - Khelif BBC (9 August 2024) “My message to the whole world is that they should to commit to Olympic principles and they should avoid bullying.” Attacks over gender make gold sweeter - Khelif BBC (9 August 2024) “This is a message of the Olympic values.” Attacks over gender make gold sweeter - Khelif BBC (9 August 2024) “I hope people will stop bullying and commit to the Olympic charter. We are in the Olympic to perform as athletes. I hope we will not see similar attacks in the future.” Attacks over gender make gold sweeter - Khelif BBC (9 August 2024) “I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects.” Paris Olympics: Imane Khelif calls for end to bullying over gender row thenationalnews.com (August 06, 2024) “It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.” Paris Olympics: Imane Khelif calls for end to bullying over gender row thenationalnews.com (August 06, 2024) “I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren’t affected deeply.” Paris Olympics: Imane Khelif calls for end to bullying over gender row thenationalnews.com (August 06, 2024) “They are worried about me.” Paris Olympics: Imane Khelif calls for end to bullying over gender row thenationalnews.com (August 06, 2024) “God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response.” Paris Olympics: Imane Khelif calls for end to bullying over gender row thenationalnews.com (August 06, 2024) “I started with nothing and now I have everything,” Paris Olympics: Imane Khelif calls for end to bullying over gender row thenationalnews.com (August 06, 2024) “Both my parents come to support me. They are my biggest fans." Paris Olympics: Imane Khelif calls for end to bullying over gender row thenationalnews.com (August 06, 2024) "I came here for a medal, and to compete for a medal. I will certainly be competing to improve [and] be better, and God willing, I will improve, like every other athlete.” Paris Olympics: Imane Khelif calls for end to bullying over gender row thenationalnews.com (August 06, 2024) “I don’t care about anyone’s opinion,” Paris Olympics: Imane Khelif calls for end to bullying over gender row thenationalnews.com (August 06, 2024) “I know that the Olympic Committee has done me justice, and I am happy with this remedy because it shows the truth,” Paris Olympics: Imane Khelif calls for end to bullying over gender row thenationalnews.com (August 06, 2024) “These misconceptions about my gender harm human dignity.” AP wins the biggest story from the Olympics with exclusive interview of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif AP.COM(9 August 2024) “I want to send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects.” AP wins the biggest story from the Olympics with exclusive interview of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif AP.COM(9 August 2024) "I was born a woman. I have lived as a woman. I competed as a woman - there is no doubt about that." IOC says Khelif preparing legal action after new eligibility claims BBC (6 November 2024) "I am fully qualified to take part in this competition. I am a woman like any other woman," IOC says Khelif preparing legal action after new eligibility claims BBC (6 November 2024) External links Category:1999 births Category:Living people Category:Sportspeople from Algeria Category:Boxers Category:Olympic gold medalists Category:Women from Algeria Category:Women in sports Category:Victims of cyberbullying