Imane Khelif’s coach has revealed the Algeria star has been left shattered by the backlash she’s received for taking part at the Paris Olympics this summer.
The 25-year-old is just one victory away from claiming a gold medal out in France, having beaten Angela Carini, Luca Ann-Hamori and Janjaem Suwannapheng so far.
There has been plenty said and written about Khelif, with the Algeria star facing scrutiny over her gender.
She was previously deemed illegible for the World Boxing Championships last year amid rumours she has high levels of testosterone, with the International Boxing Association claiming she is a ‘biological male’.
Imane Khelif’s coach has opened up on the boxer amid controversy surrounding her involvement at the Paris Olympics
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Mohamed Chaoua, who coaches Khelif, has now opened up on the boxer.
And he says she has been left hurt by the backlash she’s received, claiming she asked why she’d been targeted during a private conversation.
He said: “Imane has been greatly affected by this situation. (She said) ‘Why me?’
“She has not surrendered to this campaign (of abuse). She has given them a lesson in ethics.”
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When Khelif beat Carini during her opening fight of the Olympics, the Italian was distraught.
She withdrew from the fight after just 46 seconds but has since apologised to Khelif after refusing to shake her hand.
Chaoua says Khelief deserves credit for her performances, instead of criticism, having once been ‘very thin’.
He added: “She is distinguished by her quick reaction compared to other competitors. She gave it her all.
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“Imane surprised everyone. She used to be very thin before she developed the muscles that everybody is criticising now.”
Khelif has produced stunning displays out in France to silence her critics and boost her chances of winning a medal.
The 25-year-old insists people must refrain from bullying her, while also expressing concern for her family.
“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,” she told SNTV.
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Imane Khelif is just one win away from securing gold at the Paris Olympics
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“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.”
The boxing star continued: “I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren’t affected deeply.
“They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response.
Imane Khelif says attacks on her have harmed her ‘human dignity’ as she looks to win Olympic gold
REUTERS
“I know that the Olympic committee has done me justice, and I am happy with this remedy because it shows the truth.
“I don’t care about anyone’s opinion. I came here for a medal, and to compete for a medal. I will certainly be competing to improve (and) be better, and God willing, I will improve, like every other athlete.
“I couldn’t control my nerves. Because after the media frenzy and after the victory, there was a mix of joy and at the same time, I was greatly affected, because honestly, it wasn’t an easy thing to go through at all.
“It was something that harms human dignity.”
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