Boxing Champion Imane Khelif Targets Second Olympic Gold in Los Angeles
Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxing sensation who captured gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is already setting her sights on defending her title at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. In a bold statement, Khelif affirmed her determination to compete at the highest level, undeterred by controversies surrounding her gender eligibility.
In the wake of a gender-eligibility dispute, Khelif's victory in Paris was met with both praise and criticism. The International Boxing Association (IBA) had initially disqualified her from the 2023 World Championships, citing concerns about her eligibility to compete as a woman. However, despite the challenges, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) cleared her to compete in Paris, defending her right to participate as a female athlete. The IOC's stance was a crucial moment for Khelif, and she expressed her confidence in continuing her journey, regardless of the obstacles.
The 2028 Los Angeles Games will be a pivotal moment for Khelif, who aims to secure a second gold medal. "Second gold medal, of course. In America, Los Angeles... I will defend this gold medal with everything I have," she stated with unshakable resolve. Khelif believes that her experience and determination have strengthened her since Paris, noting that her current form far exceeds what she was capable of in the past.
Khelif's resilience was recently tested when U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February 2025 banning transgender women from female sports. The controversial order led to Trump labeling Khelif as "a male boxer" in a speech. However, Khelif wasted no time in responding firmly, telling ITV, "I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me."
Despite the challenges, Khelif remains focused on her goals. The inclusion of boxing in the 2028 Olympics is still subject to final approval by the IOC, with the recommendation receiving strong backing from the IOC's executive board. Khelif's aspirations remain undeterred, as she continues to push forward in her pursuit of Olympic glory.
Reflecting on her journey, Khelif is resolute in her belief that the controversies and setbacks only serve to fuel her drive. 'If the old Imane operated at 50% of her potential, then the Imane Khelif of today is even more motivated and determined,' she remarked confidently.
Khelif's defiance in the face of adversity has been a hallmark of her career. Her confidence, combined with her unwavering belief in fair play and Olympic values, positions her as a symbol of perseverance and strength. As the IOC prepares for its presidential elections, Khelif has expressed her hope for leadership that prioritizes the true spirit of sportsmanship. 'I hope the next president of the IOC leads with true sportsmanship, stays committed to Olympic principles, and upholds the values of fair play,' she concluded.
As Khelif eyes her second Olympic gold in Los Angeles, the boxing world will undoubtedly be watching closely, as she continues to break barriers and redefine the future of women's sports.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
19 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Man City Sign Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves on Five-Year Deal
TDT | Manama Manchester City have bolstered their squad ahead of the Club World Cup with the signing of Algerian defender Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a five-year contract, the club announced on Monday, June 9. The 24-year-old left-back joins for a reported fee of £33.7 million ($45.69 million), marking a significant coup for the Premier League giants. Ait-Nouri, who spent five seasons at Wolves, initially joined the club on loan from Angers in 2020 before making the move permanent in 2021. During his time at Molineux, he made 157 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 19 assists. His versatility and attacking flair from the defensive position made him one of the standout defenders in the Premier League last season, with only Fulham's Antonee Robinson recording more assists among defenders. 'City are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the chance to play for the club is a dream come true,' Ait-Nouri said. 'I am also so excited about working with and learning from Pep [Guardiola] and his coaching team and getting to train and play alongside such a world-class group of players.' City's director of football, Hugo Viana, highlighted Ait-Nouri's Premier League experience and international quality with Algeria as key factors in the transfer. 'He already has extensive Premier League experience and has also demonstrated his quality at international level,' Viana noted, adding that the club had been tracking the defender for some time. The move comes at a pivotal moment for Manchester City, who finished third in the 2024-25 Premier League season and secured Champions League qualification on the final day. With the Club World Cup looming, Ait-Nouri's arrival strengthens Pep Guardiola's squad as they prepare to face Wydad AC, Al-Ain, and Juventus in Group G, starting June 18. For Wolves, Ait-Nouri's departure follows the recent transfer of forward Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, leaving the club without two key players from last season. As City gear up for a busy summer, Ait-Nouri's signing signals their intent to compete on all fronts.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Trump travel ban in effect Blocks citizens from 12 nations
President Donald Trump's sweeping new travel ban came into effect early yesterday immediately after midnight, barring citizens from a dozen nations from entering the United States and reviving a divisive measure from his first term. The move is expected to disrupt refugee pathways and further restrict immigration as the Trump administration expands its crackdown on illegal entries. Many of the nations covered by the restrictions have adversarial relations with the United States, such as Iran and Afghanistan, while others face severe crises, like Haiti and Libya. In announcing his restrictions last week, Trump said the new measure was spurred by a recent 'terrorist attack' on Jews in Colorado. The group had been protesting in solidarity with hostages held in Gaza when they were assaulted by a man the White House said had overstayed his visa. That attack, Trump said, 'underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted' or who overstay their visas. The move bans all travel to the United States by nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, according to the White House. Trump also imposed a partial ban on travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Some temporary work visas from those countries will be allowed. New countries could be added, Trump warned, 'as threats emerge around the world.' Mehria, a 23-year-old woman from Afghanistan who applied for refugee status, sa d the new rules have trapped her and many other Afghans in uncertainty. 'We gave up thousands of hopes and our entire lives... on a promise from America, but today we are suffering one hell after another,' she told AFP. World Cup, Olympics, diplomats excluded The ban will not apply to athletes competing in the 2026 World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico, or in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Trump's order said. Nor will it apply to diplomats from the targeted countries. United Nations rights chief Volker Turk warned that 'the broad and sweeping nature of the new travel ban raises concerns from the perspective of international law.' US Democratic lawmakers and elected officials blasted the ban as draconian and unconstitutional. 'I know the pain that Trump's cruel and xenophobic travel bans inflict because my family has felt it firsthand,' congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, who is Iranian-American, posted Sunday on X. 'We will fight this ban with everything we have.' Rumors of a new travel ban had circulated following the Colorado attack, with Trump's administration vowing to pursue 'terrorists' living in the United States on visas. US officials said suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national according to court documents, was in the country illegally having overstayed a tourist visa, but that he had applied for asylum in September 2022. Trump's new travel ban notably does not include Egypt. His proclamation said Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and wartorn Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen lacked 'competent' central authorities for processing passports and vetting. Iran was included because it is a 'state sponsor of terrorism,' the order said. For the other countries, Trump's order cited an above-average likelihood that people would overstay their visas.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Boisson jumps 296 places in WTA rankings after French Open run
AFP | Paris France's Lois Boisson, a surprise French Open semi-finalist, has jumped 296 places in the latest WTA rankings released yesterday to a career-high 65. Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff hold the top two spots after their run to the finals in Paris where American Gauff defeated world number one Sabalenka in three sets. Boisson received a wildcard entry a year after undergoing surgery on her left knee, playing her first Grand Slam ranked 361th in the world. The 22-year-old beat world number three Jessica Pegula and sixth ranked Mirra Andreeva before falling to Gauff in the semi-finals. Iga Swiatek, the defending three-time French Open champion, falls two places to seventh after her semi-final defeat to Sabalenka. China's Zheng Qinwen moves up to fifth after reaching the quarter-finals in Paris where she won Olympic gold last year.
