Olympic Gold Winner Khelif Ready to Compete in LA 2028

Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif is focused on one thing: competing at the highest level while being true to herself.

The 26-year-old Algerian boxer, who won welterweight gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, told CNN this week that she would comply with any testing requirements set by the International Olympic Committee for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. "Of course, I would accept doing anything I'm required to do to participate in competitions," she said.

Khelif has always competed in women's categories and has been clear about her identity throughout her career. Her Olympic victory came after she was cleared to compete by the IOC, which oversees Olympic eligibility standards.

The boxer's words carry weight beyond her own journey. She emphasized the importance of protecting all women in sports while ensuring fairness across the board.

"They should protect women, but they need to pay attention that while protecting women, they shouldn't hurt other women," Khelif explained. She added a personal plea to keep her story focused on athletics rather than politics.

The international boxing community is evolving its approach to athlete eligibility. World Boxing, the sport's newly recognized governing body, received provisional IOC recognition in February 2025 and is working to establish clear, fair standards for all competitors.

Why This Inspires

Khelif's willingness to meet testing requirements shows her commitment to transparency and fair competition. Her statement that she has "nothing to hide" reflects an athlete who simply wants to do what she loves while competing on the world's biggest stage.

Her advocacy for protecting all women in sports, not just some, represents a call for inclusive solutions that balance fairness with respect. At 26, she's already an Olympic champion speaking up for nuanced approaches to complex questions in athletics.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport is currently reviewing her appeal regarding testing protocols, showing that the conversation about fairness in sports continues through proper channels. Khelif remains focused on training, competing, and representing her country with pride.