Brahim Asloum Condemns Racist Attacks Against Sarah Ourahmoune
Brahim Asloum, the Olympic boxing champion from 2000, expressed his deep disappointment and anger regarding the racist and sexist insults directed at fellow boxer Sarah Ourahmoune. During a recent appearance on La chaîne l'Equipe, Asloum voiced his support for Ourahmoune, who announced her withdrawal from the elections for the presidency of the French Boxing Federation due to the toxic environment created by these attacks. Asloum stated, "What hurts me the most is that it was my world that insulted her with all the names. And it's people with origins, people like us, who allow themselves to call Sarah 'cleaning lady of the federation', 'dirty Arab'... What are we talking about?"
Asloum emphasized the need for solidarity in sports, especially among individuals from immigrant backgrounds. He lamented that such derogatory comments should not exist in France, a country that prides itself on its values of respect and equality. He described Ourahmoune as a remarkable athlete and an exemplary figure in boxing, highlighting her achievements and resilience in the face of adversity. "Sarah is respected. She does an incredible job. In boxing, we rarely have champions who reach this intellectual level and here she's being disrespected like that, as if she were a rotten board," he added.
The Impact of Racism in Sports
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about racism and sexism in sports, particularly within the boxing community. Asloum's heartfelt remarks reflect a growing frustration among athletes who are tired of witnessing discrimination against their peers. He noted that many of the coaches who insulted Ourahmoune have not achieved a fraction of what she has in her career. "This group of coaches, three-quarters of them haven't done a tenth of what this champion has done," Asloum stated, calling for accountability and respect within the sport.
Asloum's emotional response underscores the pain felt by many in the boxing community who recognize the importance of supporting one another, especially in the face of prejudice. He concluded with a poignant reminder of the need for unity and respect in sports, saying, "We need to be with each other."
Upcoming Elections for the French Boxing Federation
The controversy surrounding Sarah Ourahmoune comes at a critical time as elections for the head of the French Boxing Federation are set for December 14. Ourahmoune was running for co-presidency alongside Dominique Nato, the current president, who has been in office since 2020. The situation has raised questions about the future leadership of the federation and the culture within the sport. As the boxing community grapples with these issues, the upcoming elections may serve as a pivotal moment for addressing racism and sexism in the sport.
