PARIS — Algerian boxer Imane Khelif captured the spotlight recently after her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew from their match just 46 seconds in, following two powerful punches to the head from Khelif. This victory marks another milestone for Khelif, who endured a tough childhood selling bread to support her dream of becoming a boxer, a path suggested by her teacher who saw her potential in the sport over football. Khelif, now 25, grew up in a modest family in Algeria. Despite the challenges, she funded her own boxing training by selling bread in the streets. Her journey to the ring was not easy, as she came from a conservative background that believed boxing was a sport only for men. Reflecting on her beginnings in boxing, Khelif said that she always loved football and played it in her small village. Her father preferred football over boxing, but her teacher saw her physical prowess and encouraged her to pursue boxing. "I come from a conservative area and family, and boxing was considered a sport for men only," she said. Despite the societal and financial hurdles, Khelif's determination saw her selling bread and collecting dishes to earn enough money to travel from her village to the city for boxing training. Khelif faced another significant challenge last year when she was barred from competing in the World Championships final in New Delhi due to not meeting gender eligibility criteria and testosterone levels, according to her profile on the Paris 2024 Olympic Information System. Now, Khelif has her sights set on the Paris Olympics, where she aims to win a medal. She is preparing to face Hungary's Anna Luca Hamori in the quarterfinals, with high hopes and unwavering determination.
