Last year, the International Olympic Committee made the significant decision to revoke its recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA) as a global governing entity, citing various concerns related to ethics, financial practices, and governance issues. Additionally, the Olympic committee criticized the IBA’s gender testing procedures, labeling them as ‘illegitimate’ and unworthy of any further discussion. Khelif, who was raised as a girl and is identified as female on her passport, spoke about the impact of this controversy during an interview with SNTV on August 4. The 25-year-old athlete expressed in Arabic, “I urge everyone around the world to uphold the principles of the Olympics and the Olympic Charter, and to avoid bullying athletes, as it has profound consequences. It can devastate individuals, harm their mental well-being, and create divisions among people. Therefore, I implore them to stop the bullying. I maintain contact with my family twice a week and hope they are not too deeply affected. They are concerned for my well-being. With hope, I believe this crisis will lead to a gold medal, which would be the most fitting response.”
I believe the Olympic Committee has rendered a fair decision, and I am pleased with this outcome as it reflects the truth. I am indifferent to others’ opinions. My focus is on competing for a medal, and I am determined to strive for improvement, with God’s help. I will continue to enhance my skills, just like every other athlete. Khelif’s father also shared his thoughts with the Daily Mail, stating, “Imane has been passionate about sports since she was six, starting with football. The critics and rumors are intended to undermine her, as they do not wish for her to become a world champion. I encourage her to demonstrate her capabilities in the ring, and I hope she brings honor to Algeria and the Arab nations by winning the gold medal. She serves as our role model, inspiring us to emulate her and bring pride to Algeria and Tiaret.”
15 Strong Women Break Stereotypes About How the Body “Should” Look
There are women out there who are challenging societal norms and breaking free from the constraints of what the media tells us we “should” look like. These 15 women are not just strong physically, but also mentally and emotionally as they pave the way for body positivity and self-love. Their stories are inspiring, empowering, and proof that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the human body.
1. “To trim or not to trim…. That is the question…”
2. “Call me Ariel and hand me a Dinglehopper because I’m a mermaid.”
3. “I’ve struggled with body image my whole life, but I’m realizing I kind of look like those statues of Ancient Greek women.”
4. “I was always worried about my big stomach in jumpsuits, but I finally figured out that I look good.”
5. All bodies are beautiful, including everything that makes you feel comfortable.
6. At the end of the day what’s important is that you feel great in your body.
7. “Only 4 more days till we meet the trio! So itchy!”
8. “I’m beautiful and I love my body!”
9. “This is a reminder to you all that you can have cellulite and spider veins and still be hot!”
10. “I ordered this corset top for my wedding this summer. I’ll definitely be rocking the hairy pits for the ceremony/reception.”
11. “Finally getting happy with my body.”
12. “Love my dress, learning to also love my body.”
13. Lizzo explains: “I love normalizing my black elbows. I think it’s beautiful.”
14. Tyra Banks is happy with her body: “My body is fuller. And so is my mind.”
15. “You are more than your body, and you get to decide what beauty is,” model Iskra Lawrence believes.
Check out these articles too, to get your daily dose of inspiration:
- 11 Famous Models Who Aren’t Afraid to Show Their Unfiltered Side
- Why Body Positivity Doesn’t Actually Promote Obesity
- 24 People Who Changed Their Hairstyle and Jazzed Up Their Life
- 21 People Who Changed Themselves Without Plastic Surgery
- 20+ People Who Changed Their Look So Dramatically, Even Their Relatives Didn’t Recognize Them
Preview photo credit tyrabanks / Instagram
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