“I really do want to express my apologies to her and everyone else. My Olympic dreams had come to an abrupt halt, and I was devastated.
Khelif has also received support from the Algerian Olympic Committee, who have said: “We strongly support our heroine and continue to defend her rights as a fair and qualified competitor.”
Omar Khelif, Imane’s father, has been rather vocal about how much his daughter deserves the chance to participate.
“I am expecting a daughter. Her upbringing was that of a girl. That chick is fierce. She was brought up to be courageous and diligent.
He told Sky News that she had a great will to work and train. “The Italian opponent she faced was unable to defeat my daughter because my daughter was stronger and she was softer.”
“Everyone has the right to practice sport without discrimination,” said a joint statement from the International Olympic Committee and the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit published subsequent to Thursday’s contest.
