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Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who became a focal point in the heated debate over gender in sports during the Paris Olympics, has strongly rejected what she calls “false and offensive” allegations from the International Boxing Association (IBA).
"I have been knocked down more times than I can count. But I have never stayed down," Khelif declared in an Instagram post late Tuesday.
The IBA announced plans to file criminal complaints against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in the U.S., France, and Switzerland. The association argued that the IOC’s decision to allow Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting to compete and win gold medals in Paris last year could be grounds for legal action.
In response, Khelif vowed to take all necessary legal measures to defend her rights and uphold fair competition.
"Those responsible for these actions must be held accountable, and we will pursue all available legal avenues to ensure that justice prevails," she asserted.
The Russian-led IBA, which has been excluded from the Olympics, cited an executive order on transgender athletes issued by U.S. President Donald Trump to support its legal claims.
Khelif accused the IBA of making baseless allegations to serve its own agenda, emphasizing that the issue goes beyond her personal case and affects broader principles of fairness and due process in sports.
The IOC has consistently maintained that both Khelif and Lin, who were assigned female at birth and identify as women, met all the eligibility criteria for the Olympic competition. Both athletes also participated in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics but did not win medals.
However, in 2023, the IBA disqualified Khelif and Lin from its world championships, citing their failure to meet eligibility requirements for women’s competition.
"The two female athletes mentioned by IBA are not transgender athletes," the IOC reaffirmed on Monday.
Despite being born and raised as a woman, Khelif faced international scrutiny and speculation about her gender after failing the IBA’s unspecified eligibility tests.
"I have faced adversity before," Khelif said. "I have overcome every setback, every false accusation, every attempt to erase me. And I have prevailed. Each challenge has only strengthened my determination. I will continue to compete with honor and integrity."
