Who knew that an athlete would have to face questions about her gender at the world’s biggest sporting event, the Olympics? But Algeria’s Imane Khelif did as she stood firm against adversity and challenges and won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. The controversy started after she ended Italian boxer Angela Carini’s Olympic campaign brutally. The Italian withdrew from the bout in the first round itself as she fell to her knees and cried in the ring. Soon after, controversy followed as netizens questioned her participation in the women’s category, and found out about her disqualification from the IBA World Championships the previous year after failing gender eligibility tests.

Nevertheless, she has now been vindicated, as her family showed official documents, and her school pictures to the media, proving that she indeed is a woman. Now, the entire world is at her feet after she emerged triumphant at the Olympics. A week ago, the people of Algeria celebrated her win as Khelif was paraded through the streets of her hometown in an open-top bus. “The height of pride and honor is in representing your country and raising its flag high. It is an even greater joy to share that pride with your family, loved ones, and community,” she stated.

Apart from being showered with love and support from her fellow countrymen, endorsement and sponsorship deals are also ending up on her table. Recently, car manufacturing giant Chery, an offshoot of the $55.13 Billion worth General Motors, has decided to endorse the Algerian gold medalist boxer. In a recent video posted by the official representative of the Chery brand in Algeria, Khelif could be seen stepping into their new model Arrizo 8.

“Champion Iman Khalif 🥇, writes new chapters of success behind the wheel. Arrizo 8, the choice of champions 🏆The power of performance meets the determination of the champion. Iman Khalif chooses Arrizo 8 to accompany her every step towards the top,” the caption accompanying the video posted by Chery Algeria read.

That wasn’t all, as Khelif engaged in a Q&A session with an interviewer where she revealed her plans.

The story has just begun

As Khelif stepped into the new car and got comfortable in her driver seat, she got approached by an interviewer who asked her quick rapid-fire questions. After doing away with the usual pleasantries, the interviewer asked her, “What are your next steps in your career?” Khelif responded, “I’m now aiming for a world championship. It’s my dream, and I’ll continue to train to get there.”

Notably, the International Boxing Association disqualified Khelif from the World Boxing Championships in New Delhi in 2023 after a sex chromosome test ruled her ineligible for the women’s category. Provided that the IBA allows her to participate in this year’s competition in Astana, Kazakhstan, in October, she will be determined to win the competition and rub it in the face of her critics.

And who knows, maybe Khelif will decide to turn professional after that and look to conquer world titles in the pro boxing circuit as well. Do you think Khelif can win the IBA 2024 Women’s World Championships? Let us know in the comment section below.