A remarkable and welcomed return. This Friday evening, Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif returned to her native region, Tiaret, 340 km southwest of Algiers, following her triumph at the Paris Olympic Games. This homecoming was not just a celebration of her athletic achievement but also a significant moment after a period marked by controversy and cyberharassment regarding her femininity during the Games. Thousands of supporters gathered in the streets of Tiaret, a town of around 200,000 inhabitants, to welcome their champion back home.
The atmosphere was electric as fans massed since morning outside the prefecture headquarters, erupting into cheers when Khelif made her appearance on a double-decker bus, flanked by gendarmerie vehicles. The crowd chanted “Imane Khelif” and “one, two, three, long live Algeria,” giving their heroine a standing ovation. Khelif expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome, stating, “All Algerians have the right to rejoice and enjoy.”
Despite the joyous occasion, Khelif chose not to discuss the cyberharassment complaint she filed, indicating that it was a day for celebration. Her coach, Mohamed Chaoua, revealed that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is personally overseeing the situation. They have filed a complaint targeting notable figures, including Elon Musk, JK Rowling, and Donald Trump, for their alleged involvement in the harassment campaign against her.
In France, an investigation has been initiated following Khelif's complaint for aggravated cyberharassment, which arose after she faced derogatory comments suggesting she was “a man fighting women.” Khelif's lawyer stated that the investigation aims to uncover those responsible for the “misogynistic, racist, and sexist campaign” against her. Khelif, who previously competed in the Tokyo Games without incident, remains resolute, declaring, “I am a strong woman with special powers. The answer has always been in the ring.”
The support from her community and the state underscores the importance of sport as a unifying message. Khelif's return symbolizes not just her victory in the ring but also a broader fight against discrimination and a celebration of female empowerment in sports.
