Imane Kehlif is most-Googled athlete of 2024 amid Olympic boxing gender controversy
Imane Khelif made history at the Paris Olympics by winning a gold medal in women’s boxing, but her victory was not without controversy. The Algerian boxer faced scrutiny and backlash after it was revealed that she was allegedly born with XY chromosomes, typically associated with males. Despite the controversy surrounding her gender eligibility, Khelif’s remarkable performance in the ring captured the attention of millions around the world.
Google’s “Year in Search” data for 2024 revealed that Khelif was the most-searched athlete on the platform, surpassing big names like Simone Biles, Jake Paul, and Mike Tyson. Her inclusion and subsequent gold medal win sparked intense debate and discussions about gender identity and fairness in sports.
One of the defining moments of Khelif’s Olympic journey was her swift victory over Italian boxer Angela Carini, who withdrew from their match in just 46 seconds. Carini later expressed how painful the experience was and the impact of Khelif’s powerful punches. This moment led many to search for more information about Khelif’s past, including her disqualification from the 2023 championships over gender eligibility issues.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev revealed that Khelif was disqualified based on DNA tests that showed XY chromosomes, leading to concerns about athletes trying to deceive their gender identity. Khelif claimed the disqualification was part of a conspiracy to prevent Algeria from winning gold, while the Algerian Olympic Committee cited “medical reasons” for her disqualification.
Despite the controversy, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and President Thomas Bach defended Khelif’s inclusion, stating that she complied with all necessary qualifications to compete as a woman. The IBA raised concerns about the inconsistent application of eligibility criteria by other sporting organizations, emphasizing the need for competitive fairness and athletes’ safety.
The controversy surrounding Khelif’s gender identity became a global topic of discussion, with even President-elect Donald Trump weighing in on the matter during a rally. Khelif faced criticism and cyber harassment from multiple individuals, leading her to file lawsuits against Elon Musk, J.K. Rowling, and a French journalist over allegations regarding her gender and identity.
As Khelif continues to navigate the aftermath of her Olympic victory, the debate around gender inclusion in sports remains a contentious issue. Her resilience and determination in the face of adversity serve as a testament to her strength as an athlete and a symbol of empowerment for those facing similar challenges in the sporting world.
