Benjamin Ashford|Algerian boxer Imane Khelif speaks out at Olympics: 'Refrain from bullying'

PARIS – Stop the bullying,Benjamin Ashford says Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.

Khelif, who was dragged into controversy over gender eligibility criteria at the Paris Olympics, has spoken out for the first time since the Games began. She and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting have been subjected to abuse on social media and inaccurate online speculation about their sexes even though the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said they both have met all criteria and that there’s no question they are women.

“I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects,” Khelif said in an interview with SNTV, according to The Associated Press. “It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.”

Dan Wolken: Unhinged controversy around Olympic boxer Imane Khelif should never happen again

Khelif and Yu-Ting have advanced to the semifinals at the Olympics, ensuring they’ll win at least bronze medals.

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

“I don’t care about anyone’s opinion,” Khelif said in Arabic. “I came here for a medal, and to compete for a medal. I will certainly be competing to improve (and) be better, and God willing, I will improve, like every other athlete.”

The Russian-back International Boxing Association drummed up the so-called issue last week. The IBA, which is not recognized by the IOC and has no role in Olympic boxing, stripped Lin (gold) and Khelif (bronze) of their 2023 World Championship medals after the organization claimed they failed gender eligibility tests. The IOC and others have raised concerns about the veracity of those tests. 

Thomas Bach, president of the IOC, said this week there's never been any doubt that Lin and Khelif are cisgender women and he urged "really everyone to respect these women, to respect them as women, as human beings." The IOC also said the two boxers are victims of an arbitrary decision by the IBA.

Stories of identity, social justice and action: Sign up for USA TODAY's This is America newsletter.

“I know that the Olympic Committee has done me justice, and I am happy with this remedy because it shows the truth,” Khelif said while also acknowledging the pressure surrounding the ordeal. “…I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren’t affected deeply.

“They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response.”

The USA TODAY app brings you every Team USA medal — right when it happens. Download for full Olympics coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and much more.