Algerian boxer Imane Khelif got caught up in controversy after her opponent, Angela Carini from Italy, suddenly walked away from their fight at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Even though Khelif was born female and identifies as a woman, her participation in the match stirred up a lot of debate.
Now, her father has finally spoken out.
On August 1, during Khelif’s boxing match with Carini, the fight unexpectedly ended when the Italian boxer left the ring early, saying she was experiencing “severe pain” in her nose.
After her opponent left the match, Imane Khelif was automatically declared the winner. But, some people think she shouldn’t compete against other women because she was disqualified from the 2023 world championships for having high testosterone levels.
Imane’s father, Amar Khelif, defended her, expressing pride in her achievements. He said, “Having such a daughter is an honor because she is a champion. She made me proud, and I encourage her. I hope she wins a medal in Paris.” He also mentioned that Imane has loved sports since she was 6 years old.
To clear up any doubts about her gender, Amar Khelif showed an official document that says, “Imane Khelif, female,” dated May 2, 1999. He insisted that this document is the truth.
The controversy led Angela Carini, the Italian boxer, to apologize to Khelif on August 2. She told an Italian news outlet that she was sorry for what happened and that she respects the decision allowing Khelif to fight. Carini explained that she didn’t mean for things to turn out this way and apologized to Khelif and everyone else.
Imane Khelif also spoke out, asking people to stop bullying athletes. She told SNTV, “Bullying can destroy people’s spirits and minds. It can divide people, and that’s why I’m asking everyone to stop doing it.”
Despite all the controversy, Khelif’s story shows the tough challenges athletes face when they’re under public scrutiny. Her father’s support and her own request for kindness remind us how important it is to show respect and understanding in sports.
As the debate goes on, Khelif is still focused on her goal of succeeding in the Olympics and making her family and country proud. The journey hasn’t been easy, but with her father’s encouragement and her own determination, she aims to overcome these challenges and continue on her path as a champion.
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The Lawrence brothers—Joey, Matthew, and Andrew—gained widespread recognition in the ’90s with their roles in the TV show *Brotherly Love*. Over the years, they have each ventured into various areas of entertainment, including acting, music, and podcasting.
Joey Lawrence, the eldest brother, started his career in the early 1980s and became famous for his roles in *Blossom* and *Melissa & Joey*. He has explored multiple fields, such as music and hosting, but his changing appearance in recent years has sparked curiosity among fans, especially online discussions about whether he has had plastic surgery or if he is bald.
Matthew Lawrence, the middle brother, is known for his role as Jack Hunter in *Boy Meets World*, as well as for his appearance in *Mrs. Doubtfire*. Like his older brother, Matthew has branched out into podcasting and music.
Andrew Lawrence, the youngest, started acting at the age of three and appeared in projects such as *Recess* and *The Other Me*. He has also ventured into voice acting, music, and filmmaking.
Recently, the trio has remained active in the entertainment world and on social media, frequently sharing playful posts and videos of themselves. Despite undergoing personal and physical transformations, their close bond is evident, with regular posts highlighting their camaraderie.
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