Imane Khelif‘s dealt with a very emotional week … with tons of people online questioning her gender and calling her names — and, she let it all out after her quarterfinal win.
The Algerian Olympian beat Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori Saturday morning … winning by unanimous decision in her QF match — and, tears immediately came pouring down her face.
Imane Khelif bursts into tears after her victory, advancing to semifinals even after millions of people say cruel, hateful things about her online. Her strength and resilience is unbelievable.
— Women Posting W’s (@womenpostingws) August 3, 2024
@womenpostingws
Watch the video, Imane leaves the ring and her team has to comfort her — with racking sobs coursing through her. It ain’t just about the punishment in the ring obviously … it’s about all the pressure out of it too.
Of course … it’s been widely reported Khelif has XY chromosomes — but she’s still biologically female and allowed to compete according to the International Olympic Committee.
Breaking:In a Surprising Turn of Events, Angela Carini Withdraws from Match Against Imane Khelif🚨
🚨Gender Controversy Erupts as Man Boxes Woman at Paris Olympics: A Shocking Display of Athletic Inequality?🚨
In a surprising turn of events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Angela… pic.twitter.com/r0xXVCjeGq
— Stones (@Archycoins) August 1, 2024
@Archycoins
However, she’s thrown some ferocious punches in the tournament so far … and, Italy’s Angela Carini withdrew from competition after less than one minute of fighting Imane.
The withdrawal pushed many celebs — among them Logan and Jake Paul, J.K. Rowling, Elon Musk and more — to bash the 2024 Olympics for allowing a man to fight a woman. Again, Khelif is a woman, not a trans man, as many have claimed.
imane khelif’s next opponent, the hungarian luca hamori, posted this on her ig story… so vile and disgusting pic.twitter.com/7P4e8roSSn
— hania ⵣ (@regrttes) August 2, 2024
@regrttes
Carini has since apologized for refusing to shake Khelif’s hand … but Hamori apparently posted multiple photos to Instagram this week attacking Imane, including one implying she’s some sort of beast.
Now, Khelif’s on to the semifinal match … but, we don’t think the controversy’s over yet.