In a recent interview, Olympic gold medalist boxer Imane Khelif opened up about the challenges she faced following a gender controversy involving former President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The Algerian boxer, who achieved victory at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, expressed the impact the international fallout had on her, describing it as both hurtful and affecting.

The controversy unfolded after Khelif's first-round bout against Italy's Angela Carini, which lasted a mere 46 seconds, became the center of attention due to a gender dispute. Trump referred to Khelif using the incorrect pronoun "he," while Musk indirectly referred to her as a man in response to a social media post.

Khelif spoke about the fear she experienced during this trying period in her career. She expressed concerns that people would question her insistence on competing and wonder why prominent politicians from around the world were involved in the controversy. However, with the help of specialists and the support of her fans in Algeria and the Arab world, she managed to overcome this challenging phase.

Notably, Khelif's gender became an international storyline during the Paris Games, as her disqualification from the 2023 IBA World Boxing Championships due to alleged elevated testosterone levels had already sparked criticism. Despite the obstacles, she emerged victorious in the Olympics, defeating China's Yang Liu to claim the gold medal.

Following her historic win, Trump once again referred to Khelif as "he" during a campaign rally, congratulating her on transitioning from male to female and winning the gold medal. His remarks further fueled the controversy surrounding her gender identity.

Elon Musk, known for his active presence on social media, chimed in on the debate by responding to a tweet that criticized men participating in women's sports. Musk concurred with the sentiment, adding his voice to the ongoing disagreement.

In response to the cyberbullying she endured, Khelif has filed a lawsuit against Musk and renowned author J.K. Rowling, among others. Her attorney, Nabil Boudi, stated that Trump may also be investigated as part of the legal proceedings.

Khelif emphasized that her gender should not be subject to political debate, asserting that sports and politics should remain separate. She expressed deep disappointment in those who claimed she was transgender, as it not only impacted her personally but also tarnished the reputation of her family, Algeria, and Muslim women worldwide.

Despite the challenges and controversy she faced, Khelif's gold medal win stands as a testament to her courage, skill, and determination. As she moves forward, she hopes to inspire others and continue representing her country and heritage on the world stage.