Algerian boxer Imane Khelif got caught up in controversy after her opponent, Angela Carini from Italy, suddenly walked away from their fight at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Even though Khelif was born female and identifies as a woman, her participation in the match stirred up a lot of debate.
Now, her father has finally spoken out.
On August 1, during Khelif’s boxing match with Carini, the fight unexpectedly ended when the Italian boxer left the ring early, saying she was experiencing “severe pain” in her nose.
After her opponent left the match, Imane Khelif was automatically declared the winner. But, some people think she shouldn’t compete against other women because she was disqualified from the 2023 world championships for having high testosterone levels.
Imane’s father, Amar Khelif, defended her, expressing pride in her achievements. He said, “Having such a daughter is an honor because she is a champion. She made me proud, and I encourage her. I hope she wins a medal in Paris.” He also mentioned that Imane has loved sports since she was 6 years old.
To clear up any doubts about her gender, Amar Khelif showed an official document that says, “Imane Khelif, female,” dated May 2, 1999. He insisted that this document is the truth.
The controversy led Angela Carini, the Italian boxer, to apologize to Khelif on August 2. She told an Italian news outlet that she was sorry for what happened and that she respects the decision allowing Khelif to fight. Carini explained that she didn’t mean for things to turn out this way and apologized to Khelif and everyone else.
Imane Khelif also spoke out, asking people to stop bullying athletes. She told SNTV, “Bullying can destroy people’s spirits and minds. It can divide people, and that’s why I’m asking everyone to stop doing it.”
Despite all the controversy, Khelif’s story shows the tough challenges athletes face when they’re under public scrutiny. Her father’s support and her own request for kindness remind us how important it is to show respect and understanding in sports.
As the debate goes on, Khelif is still focused on her goal of succeeding in the Olympics and making her family and country proud. The journey hasn’t been easy, but with her father’s encouragement and her own determination, she aims to overcome these challenges and continue on her path as a champion.
The girls visit their dad’s grave to “show” him their new dresses as he had wished, only to find two boxes with their names on them
To honor their father’s dying wish, two little girls, Isla, 6, and Madison, 8, visit his grave on his birthday, dressed in beautiful outfits just for him. Near his gravestone, they find two wrapped boxes with their names on them.
Since Brian’s passing, Isla and Madison had been quieter, missing the fun moments they shared with him. Linda, their mother, struggled with grief, finding it difficult to move on. Brian’s last words to his daughters were a wish to see them dressed in their finest on his birthday, and, though hesitant, Linda took them shopping so they could fulfill his request.
On Brian’s birthday, the girls, holding hands, walk to his grave with Linda trailing behind. At the grave, they find gifts labeled with their names, each containing a pair of Mary Janes and a heartfelt letter from Brian. In the letter, he encourages them to be happy, mischievous, and to remember he is always with them.
As the girls read the letter, Linda finally feels peace, comforted by her daughters’ love and resilience. Through their visit, the family feels Brian’s presence, realizing that love and cherished memories keep them connected, no matter the distance.
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