After securing a gold medal in boxing at the Paris Olympics, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has continued to face harsh criticism questioning her gender. In a bold move to silence her detractors, Khelif recently posted a striking video on Instagram, revealing a dramatically feminine look, challenging the rigid perceptions of gender expression.
The video, co-created with Beauty Code, titled “Beauty makeover for our champion” in French, showcases Khelif’s transformation from her usual tough, masculine boxing persona to a softer, more feminine appearance. The 10-second clip emphasizes the fluidity of gender, leaving critics speechless.
Khelif has been under scrutiny since her 66 kg match against Italy’s Angela Carini during the Olympic Round of 16, where Carini withdrew after facing heavy blows, citing unfairness and referencing Khelif’s previous failed gender eligibility test. Despite being female at birth and backed by the International Olympic Committee, Khelif continues to be targeted by online trolls and high-profile figures like Donald Trump, JK Rowling, and Elon Musk, leading her to take legal action against them.
In her post, Khelif declared in Arabic, “Appearance does not reveal a person’s essence. She can be feminine and elegant when she wants, but on the ring, she doesn’t need decorations or high heels. You just need strategy, strength, and punching, which is the essence of her personality.”
