Imane Khelif has pleaded with critics to stop bullying her over the gender row that has engulfed the 2024 Olympics, warning it could have “massive effects” on the mental state of people.
The Algerian boxer has courted controversy in Paris after breezing through the female category of boxing, despite previously being banned from a competition for failing a gender test.
Khelif is now guaranteed a medal and could take home the gold, sparking outcry from several celebrities and athletes who have criticised the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for allowing Khelif to compete when she has differences in sex development (DSDs).
The 25-year-old has repeatedly stated that she is biological female and not transgender or intersex, and sent a desperate message to online trolls to cease their abuse due to the “massive effects” it can have.
“I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects,” Khelif told the sports broadcaster SNTV in Arabic.
“It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.”
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