Algerian boxer Imane Khelif got caught up in controversy after her opponent, Angela Carini from Italy, suddenly walked away from their fight at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Even though Khelif was born female and identifies as a woman, her participation in the match stirred up a lot of debate.
Now, her father has finally spoken out.
On August 1, during Khelif’s boxing match with Carini, the fight unexpectedly ended when the Italian boxer left the ring early, saying she was experiencing “severe pain” in her nose.
After her opponent left the match, Imane Khelif was automatically declared the winner. But, some people think she shouldn’t compete against other women because she was disqualified from the 2023 world championships for having high testosterone levels.
Imane’s father, Amar Khelif, defended her, expressing pride in her achievements. He said, “Having such a daughter is an honor because she is a champion. She made me proud, and I encourage her. I hope she wins a medal in Paris.” He also mentioned that Imane has loved sports since she was 6 years old.
To clear up any doubts about her gender, Amar Khelif showed an official document that says, “Imane Khelif, female,” dated May 2, 1999. He insisted that this document is the truth.
The controversy led Angela Carini, the Italian boxer, to apologize to Khelif on August 2. She told an Italian news outlet that she was sorry for what happened and that she respects the decision allowing Khelif to fight. Carini explained that she didn’t mean for things to turn out this way and apologized to Khelif and everyone else.
Imane Khelif also spoke out, asking people to stop bullying athletes. She told SNTV, “Bullying can destroy people’s spirits and minds. It can divide people, and that’s why I’m asking everyone to stop doing it.”
Despite all the controversy, Khelif’s story shows the tough challenges athletes face when they’re under public scrutiny. Her father’s support and her own request for kindness remind us how important it is to show respect and understanding in sports.
As the debate goes on, Khelif is still focused on her goal of succeeding in the Olympics and making her family and country proud. The journey hasn’t been easy, but with her father’s encouragement and her own determination, she aims to overcome these challenges and continue on her path as a champion.
Willie Nelson, 91, continues to cancel tour dates citing unknown illness
Another tour date has been canceled by Willie Nelson, and there is no planned return date.
Hours before Nelson was set to take the stage in Virginia Beach on Wednesday, a message was posted on his social media accounts alerting followers that the 91-year-old singer would not be making the trip as planned.
Only a few days had passed since Nelson postponed his tour’s Georgia opener due to “not feeling well.”
The first piece of bad news arrived on June 21, when Nelson had to postpone his Outlaw Music Festival Tour’s first show.
A social media message read, “We regret to inform you that Willie Nelson is not feeling well and has been advised to rest for the next four days per doctor’s orders.” “Next week, he is anticipated to resume his Outlaw Music Festival tour following a speedy recovery.”
Nelson did, however, announce yet another cancellation less than a week later.
“There will be no Willie Nelson performance at the Virginia Beach event tonight. We anticipate Willie joining the tour again soon.
Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, and Celisse were all planned to perform, despite Nelson’s inability to do so. In addition to playing some of Nelson’s greatest hits, Lukas Nelson, the son of the late great, was scheduled to perform a solo set.
Nelson’s website still lists his next tour date as June 28 in Syracuse, New York as of June 27, but it’s unknown if Nelson will be able to make it due to an undetermined return date.
We hope Willie Nelson gets well quickly, whatever it is that is preventing him from performing.
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