News Desk

The Advocate Post: In a landmark victory at the Paris Olympics 2024, Imane Khelif has made history by becoming the first Algerian, Arab, and African woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal. The 25-year-old secured the gold in the welterweight division after a dominant performance against China’s Yang Liu at the iconic Rolland-Garros Stadium on Friday night.

Khelif, who had been at the center of a gender controversy leading up to the Games, showed no signs of distraction as she decisively won the three-round bout. The judges delivered a unanimous decision in her favor, sealing her place in Olympic history.

The Algerian boxer was greeted with overwhelming support from the crowd, many of whom waved Algerian flags and cheered her on from start to finish. Despite the challenges she faced, including a disqualification in 2023 due to a disputed gender eligibility test, Khelif remained focused and resilient. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) later dismissed the test results as illegitimate, allowing her to compete in Paris.

After her victory, an elated Khelif expressed her joy and said:

“It was my dream to win this medal, and today I am incredibly happy to be an Olympic gold medallist. This is the result of eight years of hard work, sleepless nights, and relentless dedication.”

Khelif’s triumph not only adds a second gold medal to Algeria’s tally at the Paris Olympics but also stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance and determination against all odds.