After sparking the biggest controversy at the controversial Olympics held in Paris last summer, Algerian boxer Iman Kelif is set to do it again in 2028.
The gold medalist told ITV in an exclusive interview that the athlete is scheduled to compete in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. This will be the first summer match to be based in the US since 1996. The 2028 game comes in the final year of President Donald Trump's term, partially defined by the narrow gender qualification policy of women's sports.
Khelif brewed international rage in Paris when he won a gold medal in women's boxing despite being disqualified from the 2023 International Boxing Association World Championships for gender ease of use issues. IBA President Umar Kremlev has issued a statement to the Russian Tass agency about why Khelif was disqualified.
For sports coverage on foxnews.com, click here
Iman Kelif, right, Algeria competes with Hungarian native Luka Anna Hamori. (Sina Schuldt/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
“Based on DNA testing, we identified many athletes who were tricking their colleagues into pretending to be women. Test results proved they had XY chromosomes. Such athletes were excluded from the competition,” Klemrev said.
Khelif has not been proven to be transgender.
The Algerian Olympic Committee said at the time that Kerif was disqualified for “medical reasons.” Algerian media reported that Kerif was disqualified with high testosterone levels, according to Reuters. Kerif argued that the disqualification was part of a “conspiracy” that prevented Algeria from winning money.
However, Kerif was allowed to compete in Paris and was fully supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and President Thomas Bach. As a result, boxers urged a great backlash from those who believed that Kerif could not compete in the female category based on past gender eligibility issues.
These critics included Trump, billionaire Elon Musk, and author J.K. Rowling. Khelif filed a lawsuit in France citing “advancing cyber harassment behavior” about her public response to her participation.
“It shocked me when I saw even the head of state talking about me without confirming the facts,” Keriff told ITV.
Riley Gaines calls the “hero” a female boxer to confiscate fighter fighters against XY chromosomes, SLAMS IOC
Algerian Iman Kelif is watching Italy's Angela Carini after a women's 66kg spare boxing match at the Summer Olympics in Paris on August 1, 2024. (AP Photo/John Rochell)
“They were talking only to speak without trusted or documented information, and I also noticed that on social media people were discussing the issue without trustworthy sources.
Khelif also said the backlash on ITV had an impact on the health of athletes' mothers.
“It affected me mentally and as well as my family. Even my mother was deeply affected. She went to the hospital almost every day. My relatives were also affected, and the whole Algerian felt the weight of the situation.
“I was deeply emotionally affected and disappointed, but I knew what was going on. Even at the Olympics in Paris, there was a team of specialist doctors who provided me with support and support.
But that doesn't prevent Khelif from competing again in 2028.
Trump has already signed an executive order banning trans athletes from women and girls sports across the country, and Homeland Security's Department of Homeland Security Christa Noem said he will be ordered to keep trans athletes abroad for the 2028 Olympics.
Click here to get the Fox News app
Iman Kerif of Algeria, right and Angela Carini of Italy are shown after their battle. (Reuters/Isabelle infant)
However, Khelif argues that these policies do not apply to athletes.
“I give you a simple answer: The US President has announced a decision related to American transgender policy. I am not trans. This is not me, it does not threaten me. That's my response,” Khelif told ITV.
“To me, I consider myself a girl just like any other girl. I was born and raised as a girl and lived my life alone.”
With Bach expected to take office this year, the next IOC president may bring another position to the committee's gender eligibility policy. One potential successor is former Olympic gold medalist Sebastian Coe.
Koh has published his manifesto for his vision as IOC president, highlighting the importance of protecting female athletes.
He previously said in an interview with the BBC in November that the situation in which Keriff was involved made him feel “uncomfortable.”
Follow Fox News Digital's Sports Coverage on X and subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
