Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has arguably been one of the top names in every person’s mouth. Several popular individuals have targeted the 25-year-old since her first boxing bout at the Olympics. Although Khelif and IOC clarified the controversy, popular podcaster Joe Rogan is still skeptical about her gender.
Joe Rogan has always been a standout speaker, addressing several important topics in his podcasts. In one such instance, the podcaster took the case of controversial boxer Imane Khelif. IBA revealed that the Algerian boxer failed the gender ability test. Since her preliminary bout at the Paris Olympics, many have commented on the controversy. Rogan became the latest combat sports personality to comment on it.
I don’t necessarily know if that’s a her, this is the problem…
Joe Rogan via Joe Rogan Experience #2186
Rogan bluntly expressed his confusion regarding the whole saga. He even read out the IOC’s official statement regarding the legitimacy of the test conducted by the IBA. Rogan also revealed the reason for his confusion as the IOC has not stated conclusive evidence on why the tests were not legitimate.
Interestingly, Joe Rogan is not the only one who is still skeptical about Imane Khelif’s gender. Even popular author JK Rowling is still in denial of Khelif being a woman. She strongly voiced her opinion on the matter and stated that the Algerian boxer is a male.
However, some who slammed Khelif over the gender row controversy now apologized for their fault. Meanwhile, the Algerian ran through all the outside noises and claimed her first Gold Medal at the Olympic Games. She defeated China’s Yang Liu by a unanimous decision. However, she still faces backlash even after her Olympic success.
Riley Gaines double downs on her criticism towards Imane Khelif
This season of the Olympics might be remembered for the controversies surrounding it. While some, with time, faded away, some are still fresh in people’s minds. Imane Khelif is one such example who got mixed up in the controversies surrounding the event. People accused the Algerian boxer of being a male and slammed him for competing in women’s sports. One such person is Riley Gaines.
Imane Khelif with the Gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games (Image via X)Riley Gaines has been an advocate against transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Following Khelif’s victory in the Women’s 66kg weight category, Gaines has again sparked a controversy. In doing so, she slammed the Algerian boxer and Olympic Committee.
It used to be called domestic violence when a man would punch a woman in the face with the intent of knocking her unconscious. Now, we call these same men Olympic champions & award them a shiny gold medal.
Riley Gaines via X
It used to be called domestic violence when a man would punch a woman in the face with the intent of knocking her unconscious.
Now, we call these same men Olympic champions & award them a shiny gold medal. pic.twitter.com/4jLoGLFpZD
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) August 9, 2024
Interestingly, this is not the first time when Riley Gaines took a verbal shot at the Algerian boxer. Even after clarifying the whole controversy, Khelif hasn’t been spared by the Gaines and other individuals. However, it remains to be seen to what extent this saga will continue. As of now, the future plans of the Algerian boxer remain uncertain.
