Imane Khelif‘s dealt with a very emotional week … with tons of people online questioning her gender and calling her names — and, she let it all out after her quarterfinal win.The Algerian Olympian beat Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori Saturday morning … winning by a unanimous decision in her QF match — and, tears immediately came pouring down her face.Watch the video, Imane leaves the ring and her team has to comfort her — with racking sobs coursing through her. It ain’t just about the punishment in the ring obviously … it’s about all the pressure outside of it too.
GettyOf course … it’s been widely reported Khelif has XY chromosomes — but she’s still biologically female and allowed to compete according to the International Olympic Committee.However, she’s thrown some ferocious punches in the tournament so far … and, Italy’s Angela Cariniwithdrew from competition after less than one minute of fighting Imane.The withdrawal pushed many celebs — among them Logan and Jake Paul, J.K. Rowling, Elon Musk and more — to bash the 2024 Olympics for allowing a man to fight a woman. Again, Khelif is a woman, not a trans man, as many have claimed.Carini has since apologized for refusing to shake Khelif’s hand … but Hamori apparently posted multiple photos to Instagram this week attacking Imane, including one implying she’s some sort of beast.
GettyNow, Khelif’s on to the semifinal match … but, we don’t think the controversy’s over yet.