Controversial Boxer Imane Khelif Eyes 2028 LA Olympics Despite Trump's Gender Policies

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who sparked one of the fiercest debates of the Paris Olympics last summer, is gearing up for another shot at gold in 2028. The Los Angeles Games will mark the first U.S.-hosted Summer Olympics since 1996 and coincide with the final year of Donald Trump's presidency, an administration heavily defined by its controversial gender policies in sports.

Khelif, a gold medalist in Paris, was previously disqualified from the International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships in 2023 due to gender eligibility concerns. The IBA claimed DNA tests revealed that some athletes, including Khelif, had XY chromosomes, prompting their exclusion. Khelif, however, has always maintained she is not transgender. Algerian authorities stated the disqualification was for "medical reasons," with reports suggesting high testosterone levels as the cause—a claim Khelif called a "conspiracy" to block Algeria from Olympic glory.

Despite the uproar, Khelif competed in Paris with the full backing of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and its president, Thomas Bach. This decision ignited widespread backlash, drawing criticism from figures like Trump, Elon Musk, and J.K. Rowling. Khelif has since filed a lawsuit in France alleging "aggravated cyber harassment" over the intense scrutiny she faced.

"When I saw that even heads of state and celebrities were talking about me without verifying the facts, I was shocked," Khelif shared in an interview with ITV. She also revealed the toll the controversy took on her mental health and her family, particularly her mother, who was hospitalized repeatedly due to the stress. "This went beyond sports—it became a full-blown media campaign," Khelif lamented.

As Khelif sets her sights on LA 2028, the landscape could become even more challenging. Trump's administration has implemented an executive order banning trans athletes from women's sports nationwide and has suggested barring such athletes from entering the U.S. during the Games. However, Khelif remains undeterred. "I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me," she stated firmly, emphasizing her lifelong identity as a woman.

The IOC's stance on gender eligibility could also shift by 2028, with current president Thomas Bach stepping down. A leading contender for his role, Sebastian Coe, has been vocal about protecting female athletes and has described the Khelif situation as "uncomfortable." Coe's potential leadership could bring further changes to the already contentious issue of gender policies in sports.

Khelif's resilience in the face of relentless criticism is remarkable. While her journey to LA 2028 remains fraught with hurdles, one thing is clear—she's not backing down. Love her or hate her, Khelif is determined to keep fighting, both in and out of the ring.