Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is well on her way to clinching a medal at the Paris Olympics.
Despite some controversies that took the internet by storm, Imane continues to proudly share her victories with her 1.1 million followers.
Defying the odds at the Paris Olympics, she won her first match in just 46 seconds against Italian boxer Angela Carini, followed by a decisive 5:0 victory over Hungarian boxer Anna Luca Hamori in the quarterfinals.
As anticipation builds for her return to the ring in the semifinals on August 7, 2024, GRAZIA shares a few key facts you need to know about this rising star.
She Was Raised In Tiaret, Algeria
Born on May 2, 1999, Imane Khelif, now 25, was raised in a rural village called Tiaret—a provincial location in Northeastern Algeria.
She Has Been Competing since 2018
Debuting her career in professional boxing in 2018, the athlete started her journey into the world of sports at the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, where she finished 17th in the women’s lightweight event. Since then she has steadily risen the ranks, proving herself as a formidable opponent in the ring.
Secured a Gold Medal at the Istanbul Bosphorus International Boxing Tournament
Despite a setback at the 2019 AIBA Championships, Imane’s relentless drive earned her a gold medal at the Istanbul Bosphorus International Boxing Tournament, where she triumphed over Russian boxer Anastasia Belyakova in the final round.
Won the African and Mediterranean Championships
2022 was a banner year for Imane Khelif, and 2024 is shaping up to be no different. Imane clinched numerous gold medals during her 2022 tournaments, including victories at the Strandja Memorial Tournament, the Mediterranean Games, and the African Amateur Boxing Games. These wins solidified her place as a top contender representing Algeria at the Olympics.
A Woman of Perseverance
Just 100 days before the Paris Olympics, Imane participated in a competition in Colorado, USA, sponsored by STING Boxing. She described the three days of competition as “all positive,” a reflection of her unwavering determination. In a social media post, she wrote, “I will continue working with strong determination.”
Represented Algeria in the 2020 Summer Olympics
The 2024 Olympics is not Imane’s first appearance at the revered quadrennial event. Four years ago, she also represented Algeria at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, competing in the women’s lightweight event and becoming the first Algerian boxer to advance to the Quarterfinals.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA International.