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PARIS (AP) — Algerian boxer Imane Khelif advanced to the gold-medal match in the women’s welterweight division at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday night, coming one win away from what she considers the best reply to the global scrutiny she has faced regarding gender misconceptions. A single victory will secure Algeria’s second boxing gold medal and its first in women’s boxing.
Khelif won decisively against Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand with a 5:0 score in the semifinals at Roland Garros, where the audience cheered and chanted her name throughout the three-round bout. Having won three consecutive matches in Paris, Khelif will either take home a gold or silver medal when she faces Yang Liu of China in the final on Friday.
Despite facing criticism and stigmatization outside the ring, Khelif has excelled in the tournament. This controversy arose from the International Boxing Association’s decision to disqualify her and fellow Paris medalist Lin Yu-ting of Chinese Taipei from the world championships last year for allegedly failing an eligibility test.
The controversy surrounding her has become one of the major narratives of the Paris Olympics, but it hasn't impacted her performance in the ring.
"I don’t pay attention to that," Khelif said via an interpreter. "My focus is on being prepared and demonstrating a high level of skill. I want to showcase my talent and entertain everyone."