Khelif won in the 2024 Paris Olympics despite the AIA’s ban.
Caitlyn Jenner, known for winning Olympic gold in the men’s decathlon before transitioning to a transgender woman, has spoken out against the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to allow Algerian boxer Imane Khelif to compete in the female category at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Jenner believes that the controversy surrounding Khelif is damaging to the integrity of the Olympics.
Her comments come in response to Khelif’s recent dominant performance in the women’s 66-kilogram division.
Imane Khelif, who was born with a condition that prevented the development of ovaries, was excluded from the 2023 World Championships after tests revealed the presence of male XY chromosomes.
The controversy escalated after she defeated Italian boxer Angela Carini in just 46 seconds. Carini broke down in tears, claiming that Khelif’s power overwhelmed her, forcing her to аbаndоn the fight, saying she felt likе she was “fighting for her life” against Khelif.
The situation intensified when Thomas Bach, President of the IOC, defended Khelif’s inclusion in women’s sports despite the criticism.
Jenner, who won the gold medal in the men’s decathlon in 1976 as Bruce Jenner, expressed her dissatisfaction during an interview with Fox News, a network known for its conservative viewpoints.
“This issue has greatly harmed the Olympics. Everyone is talking about it,” Jenner said.
“Shame on the IOC for not protecting the integrity of women’s sports, and shame on the IOC for not ensuring the safety of female athletes.”
Khelif is set to face Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng in the quarterfinals on Tuesday after her recent 5-0 victory over Hungary’s Luca Anna Hamori.
Both athletes were disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) last year, a decision that the IOC deemed “sudden and arbitrary.”
