Imane Khelif made history at the Paris Games, becoming the first Algerian, Arab, and African woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal. The 25-year-old Algerian boxer defeated China’s Yang Liu in a commanding performance that captivated the audience at Rolland-Garros Stadium on Friday night. Khelif’s victory was sealed with a unanimous decision from the judges, following a three-round welterweight bout in which she consistently dominated.
Despite being at the center of a controversial gender debate leading up to the Olympics, Khelif remained unshaken. The now-banned International Boxing Association (IBA) had previously disqualified her over a gender eligibility test in 2023. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) dismissed the IBA’s findings, labeling them as arbitrary and unjustified, allowing Khelif to compete in the Games.
Khelif’s supporters, waving Algerian flags, filled the stands with enthusiasm, cheering her on from the moment she entered the arena until the gold medal was placed around her neck. After her victory, Khelif expressed her joy, stating, “Winning this medal has been my dream. I’m overjoyed to be an Olympic gold medalist.” She added that the win was the result of eight years of relentless effort and dedication.
In the ring, Yang Liu started strong, trying to overpower Khelif in the first round. However, Khelif’s resilience and skill quickly turned the tide in her favor. By the end of the round, she had gained the upper hand, and her momentum only grew as the fight progressed. In the second round, Khelif continued her aggressive approach, leaving Yang struggling to keep up. By the final round, it was clear that Yang had lost her drive, while Khelif remained in control, waiting for her opponent to make a move.
When the referee finally raised Khelif’s hand, signaling her victory, the crowd erupted in applause. Khelif celebrated with her signature dance, a stark contrast to the tears she shed after her quarterfinal win. Her team lifted her onto their shoulders, parading her around the arena as she proudly waved the Algerian flag.
Khelif took the opportunity to thank her supporters, both in the arena and around the world, especially those who stood by her during the gender dispute. “I want to thank all the Algerians in Paris, across the globe, and in Algeria itself,” she said. “This victory is for all of you. Thank you to my team and my coach. Today, Algeria is celebrating.”
