The controversial name of the Paris Olympics: Algerian boxer Imane Khelif responds to Trump

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif sparked gender eligibility debates from her very first match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Khelif, who won a gold medal, has announced her goal for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and responded to US President Donald Trump's decision that "Transgender women athletes cannot compete in the women's category." 

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who won a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics last summer and found herself at the center of gender eligibility debates, has announced her target for Los Angeles 2028.

The 25-year-old athlete, who announced that she will compete in a new weight class due to rule changes, aims to win her second Olympic gold medal.

Khelif, who reached the championship in the 66kg category in Paris, plans to step into the ring at 70kg in 2028 because the 66kg category is being removed.

Speaking to MARCA, Khelif said, "I am focused on reaching my second Olympic gold in 2028. I am also preparing for my transition to a professional boxing career. I want to step into the ring more balanced and stronger compared to Paris."

"I WILL NOT HAVE DIFFICULTY ADAPTING TO THE NEW WEIGHT"

According to the new weight classification for Los Angeles 2028, the lightweight category is now between 60-65kg.

Since the 66kg category in which Khelif competed in Paris falls outside this range, the Algerian boxer's new target is 70kg...

At LA 2028, the light middleweight category will be between 65-70kg, and the middleweight category will be between 70-75kg.

The 1.80m tall Khelif said, "I won at 66kg in Paris, but moving up to 70kg will not be difficult for me. My team and I are working on how to best adapt to this new category." 

"TRUMP'S DECISION DOES NOT CONCERN ME"

Following the executive order signed by US President Donald Trump in February, which bans transgender women athletes from competing in the women's category, Khelif's future in the Olympics had become uncertain.

However, Khelif emphasized that this situation does not affect her, stating, "I am not a transgender individual. This decision does not concern me and it does not scare me. I defend this gold medal with everything I have. I am continuing to pursue my dream," taking a clear stance.

The medals won by Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-Ting at Paris 2024 caused a global stir, as both athletes had previously been excluded from the Women's World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to gender eligibility tests.

The IBA had initiated legal proceedings, objecting to the IOC's decision to allow Khelif and Lin, who were alleged to carry XY chromosomes, to participate in the Olympics.

Despite all the controversy, Imane Khelif is preparing to return to the ring and wants to write her name into Olympic history once again.