Algerian Boxer Iman Khelif: “I Will Not Surrender to Trump”
Iman Khelif, the gold medal-winning boxer at the Paris Olympics, has stated that she is determined to defend her title at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding her gender identity. She added that she would not back down in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Last month, Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports in the U.S. In his speech after signing the order, he referred to Iman as a “male boxer.”
In an interview with ITV, Khelif responded: “I’ll give you a clear answer—I am not transgender. This doesn’t concern me, and it doesn’t scare me.”
On Monday, the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that boxing be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Khelif expressed her desire to defend her title in California.
“I will fight with all my strength to win my second gold medal in America, in Los Angeles,” she said.
She added: “I believe that if I was working at half my potential in the past, I am now more motivated and determined than ever.”
The International Boxing Association (IBA) ruled Khelif ineligible for the 2023 World Championships due to gender eligibility concerns after conducting a test.
However, the IBA lost its Olympic recognition due to governance issues, and the IOC allowed Khelif to compete in Paris, where she strongly defended her position against heavy criticism.
A competing organization, World Boxing, was granted provisional recognition as the new governing body for the sport last month.
The recommendation to include boxing in the 2028 Games still requires final approval from the IOC session in Greece. Outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach has expressed confidence that the session will approve it.
“At this point, I can say that the IBA is part of the past,” Khelif stated.
She added: “As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide have nothing to fear.”
The debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports has been a major issue in the race for the IOC presidency, with elections set to take place tomorrow.
“I hope the next IOC president embraces true sportsmanship, remains committed to Olympic principles, and upholds the values of fair play,” Khelif said.
