• Faith: Muslim
• Career: Athlete
• Birthday:  May 02, 1999

Imane Khelif is an Algerian professional boxer. She won the gold medal in the women's welterweight event at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Born in Tiaret, Algeria, Imane Khelif was raised in a modest Muslim family that valued discipline and faith. Her childhood was marked by a deep connection to her Islamic faith, which played a crucial role in her development as an athlete and individual. Khelif was introduced to boxing at a young age, a sport not widely popular among women in her region. Despite societal expectations and limited resources, she pursued her passion, inspired by her family’s support and her belief in overcoming challenges through hard work and faith.

Khelif’s boxing career began in local competitions, where she quickly gained recognition for her agility, strength, and determination. Her rise in the sport was meteoric, leading her to national and international competitions. By the time she reached the 2024 Olympics, Khelif had already established herself as one of the top boxers in her weight class, known for her powerful punches and strategic mind.

Her journey to the Olympics was not without challenges. Khelif faced numerous obstacles, including limited access to proper training facilities and a lack of representation for female athletes in her country. However, her unwavering faith and determination drove her to excel, representing Algeria on the world stage.

The 2024 Paris Olympics should have been the pinnacle of Khelif’s career, but it became marred by an unfounded controversy. After a swift victory in her initial match, Khelif found herself at the center of a gender eligibility dispute, alongside Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting. The controversy stemmed from allegations that the two athletes had failed gender eligibility tests in a previous competition, leading to their disqualification.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) quickly addressed the situation, reaffirming that both Khelif and Lin met all the necessary criteria to compete in the women’s category. IOC President Thomas Bach condemned the controversy as "totally unacceptable," highlighting that the situation was fueling "hate speech" and "aggression" towards the athletes.

Despite the distractions, Khelif remained focused on her goal. Her performance in the ring was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a gold medal victory in the welterweight division on August 9, 2024. After her win, Khelif passionately defended her identity as a female athlete, dedicating her victory to the people of Algeria and the Arab world.

Imane Khelif's Religious Beliefs

Khelif is a devout Muslim and is a strong believer in her faith.

She has often spoken about the importance of her faith in her life and career. She sees boxing not just as a sport but as a way to honor God by using the talents and opportunities she has been given. Throughout her career, Khelif has remained steadfast in her faith, often attributing her successes to divine guidance and strength.