Caliph wins gold medal by breaking through gender controversy"I hope no one is criticized like me in the future"
Aug 10, 2024
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It was the words of Imane Caliph (Algeria). Caliph won the women's 66kg boxing final at the 2024 Paris Olympics at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris, France on the 10th (Korea time) by a unanimous decision of all judges. Caliph stood on top of the podium with the victory.
Caliph was the hot potato of the Paris Olympics. It has been at the center of the gender controversy. Caliph was disqualified at last year's World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for having 'XY chromosomes', which generally means men. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) opened the way for the caliph to compete in the women's boxing event, saying that gender is determined based on the passport.
But the players facing the caliphs were like a male player's fist," he said with a blasphemy. They drew an X with their hands to protest. The controversy accelerated as politicians and other celebrities expressed their opposition to participating in the caliphate. Italian Prime Minister Jorja Meloni questioned IOC President Thomas Bach ahead of the match between Caliph of Italy and Angela Carini of Italy in the round of 16. Harry Potter series writer Joanne K. Leading global figures such as Rowling and Tesla CEO Elon Musk also criticized Caliph's participation.
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His gender controversy intensified as Caliph, who competed in the Olympics, continued to rise while the controversy did not end. Some Internet users not only criticized but also threatened, prompting the caliph to issue a statement.
Caliph left this gaze behind and eventually won the gold medal. He said "I'm well qualified to participate in the Olympics. Like other women, she was born and lived as a woman. I've said many times whether I'm a woman or not. The criticism was the driving force for me. Thanks to their attack, I'm even more happy about the gold medal." "What I want to say to the world is that everyone should abide by the Olympic spirit and not slander others," he said. "I hope that no one like me will be criticized in the Olympics in the future."
The caliph said "The criticism on social media was very unjust, and even human dignity was harmed. But now people must have changed their minds.'Now the world knows the story of Imane Caliph. I was born into a very poor family in a very small town in Algeria. My family was always proud of me and encouraged me to box." Unlike criticism on social media, Roland Garros, where the game was held, could only hear the sound of chanting 'caliphate'. "The audience and fans cheered me up," Caliph said. "Algerian women are known for being tough and brave. They came to cheer, and they sent messages around the world"I laughed.
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
