Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer, has achieved Olympic champion status by defeating her Chinese rival, Yang Liu, through a unanimous decision in the women’s welterweight final.

Khelif secured victory in all three rounds according to the judges’ scorecards and celebrated by leaping into her trainer’s arms upon the announcement of the decision. In a display of joy, her trainer lifted the 25-year-old onto his shoulders and paraded her around the arena.

“For eight years, this has been my dream, and I’m now the Olympic champion and gold medalist,” Khelif said through an interpreter.

Asked about the row, she told reporters: “That also gives my success a special taste because of those attacks.”

“I’m fully qualified to take part in this competition,” she added. “I’m a woman like any other woman. I was born as a woman, I live as a woman, and I am qualified.”

Khelif faced significant criticism following an incident where a previous opponent withdrew after just 46 seconds, citing health concerns due to the power of the Algerian’s punches. In response to her detractors, Khelif expressed that winning a gold medal would serve as the “best answer.”

There were concerns raised about her eligibility to compete, with some suggesting that elevated testosterone levels could enhance her strength and muscle mass, potentially putting her opponents at risk.

Last year, both Khelif and a Taiwanese boxer were disqualified from the world championships after the International Boxing Association (IBA) determined they did not meet gender eligibility criteria.

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