• Imane Khelif seeks to defend her Olympic title in Los Angeles in 2028.
• Khelif insists she is not transgender despite criticism from Donald Trump.
• Upcoming IOC session in Greece could finalize boxing's inclusion in the Olympics.
• The debate around transgender athletes continues to swirl amid Khelif's preparations.

Algerian boxing champion Imane Khelif, who clinched gold in the Paris Olympics amidst a gender-eligibility controversy, is resolutely preparing to defend her title at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Khelif has expressed confidence and determination, stating that she will not let recent remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump intimidate her. Trump recently signed an executive order banning transgender women from competing in female sports, and he publicly referred to Khelif as a "male boxer."

"I will give you a straightforward answer; I am not transgender," she asserted during an interview with ITV. "This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me," reflecting her unwavering focus on her athletic goals. Khelif's aspirations for a second gold medal were reiterated with her claim that, "in America, Los Angeles... I will defend with everything this gold medal."

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended including boxing in the 2028 Games, pending final approval during a session scheduled in Greece. Khelif remains optimistic despite her previous disqualification by the International Boxing Association (IBA), which cited gender-related issues. However, the IBA has recently lost its Olympic recognition, allowing Khelif to continue her quest under the provisional recognition of the newly established governing body, World Boxing.

"At this point, I can say that the IBA is a thing of the past," stated Khelif, reinforcing the resilience she has developed through her experiences. "As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear." The athlete attributed her current strength to the challenges she has faced, saying, "I believe that if the old Imane operated at 50 percent of her potential, then the Imane Khelif of today is even more motivated and determined."

The ongoing discourse surrounding transgender participation in sports has become a pivotal issue within the IOC presidential race, highlighting the contrasting views about fairness in women's competitions. Khelif expressed her hope for a future IOC president who embodies true sportsmanship and adheres to Olympic principles, stating, "I hope the next president of the IOC leads with true sportsmanship, stays committed to Olympic principles, and upholds the values of fair play." This core sentiment illustrates the broader challenges athletes face in navigating their careers amid external political pressures, particularly regarding gender and identity in sports.

For more details, visit Al Jazeera or check news from Reuters.