Khelif spoke about her tumultuous Olympic experience in an interview with SNTV, a sports video partner of The Associated Press, highlighting the harmful impact of online abuse and urging people to uphold the principles of the Olympics.

Khelif, along with Taiwanese double world champion Lin Yu-ting, has become one of the biggest stories of the Paris Games. Both athletes have faced online abuse based on unsubstantiated claims about their gender identity, leading to a wider conversation around changing attitudes and regulations in sports. Despite the backlash, both women have achieved their first Olympic medals, showcasing their strength and resilience.

Speaking in Arabic, Khelif emphasized the detrimental effects of bullying on athletes, stating that it can destroy people's thoughts, spirit, and mind, and create division among people. She urged the world to refrain from bullying and uphold the Olympic principles and Charter. Khelif expressed her hope that the ongoing crisis would culminate in a gold medal, serving as a powerful response to her detractors.

The vitriol directed at Khelif and Lin stems from claims made by the Russian-dominated International Boxing Association, which has been permanently banned from the Olympics. The association alleged that both athletes failed eligibility tests for the women's competition at last year's world championships, without providing specific details. Khelif chose not to address these claims directly but expressed gratitude to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and its president, Thomas Bach, for standing firmly behind her.

Despite the challenges she has faced, Khelif has also experienced an outpouring of support at her bouts, with fans waving Algerian flags and chanting her name. Undeterred by the accusations and controversy, she has remained focused on her goal of winning Algeria's first Olympic gold medal in women's boxing.

Khelif's words demonstrate her resilience and determination to not let the chatter or accusations affect her performance. She reiterated her commitment to compete and improve, echoing the mindset of every dedicated athlete.

While aware of the ongoing discussion surrounding her, Khelif revealed that she does not follow social media, as athletes are advised by the mental health team to avoid it during the Olympic Games. She emphasized that her primary focus is on competing and achieving a good result.

Khelif's journey in the Olympics has been marked by controversy and adversity. Yet, with each victory, she continues to silence her critics and prove her worth in the boxing ring. As she prepares for her next bout against Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand, Khelif's determination to succeed remains unwavering.

As the Paris Olympic Games progress, athletes like Khelif serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength required to compete on such a global stage. Their stories inspire and shed light on the importance of respecting athletes' dignity and promoting inclusivity in the world of sports.