Imane Khelif has vowed to defend her Olympic title at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, asserting that she will not be deterred by United States President Donald Trump.

The 25-year-old Algerian boxer secured gold in the women’s welterweight division at the Paris Olympics last summer.

Although the International Olympic Committee (IOC) permitted her to compete in the French capital, her achievements were met with persistent scrutiny following her disqualification from the 2023 Women’s World Championships over alleged non-compliance with the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) gender eligibility regulations.

The IBA, an organisation now widely discredited, failed to substantiate its claims, as no test results were ever made public.

Khelif has consistently competed in the women’s boxing category and has identified as female since birth.

Throughout her campaign in Paris, she faced online abuse, with J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk among those named in a lawsuit filed with the French authorities.

Trump has also repeatedly referred to Khelif as a "man."

With Los Angeles set to host the next Olympics, Khelif has confirmed her intention to remain in the amateur ranks as she pursues a place in an elite group of female boxers—Nicola Adams, Claressa Shields, and Kellie Harrington—who have won two Olympic gold medals.

Speaking to ITV News, Khelif stated:

"I will give you a straightforward answer: The US President issued a decision concerning transgender policies in America.

"I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me. That is my response."

Reflecting on her experiences, she continued:

"This journey has taught me a great deal. If the old Imane operated at 50% of her potential, then the Imane Khelif of today is even more driven and determined."

"I have learnt so much from the campaign against me, and what happened at the Paris Olympics was an eye-opening experience. I feel even stronger now than I was before."

Khelif also spoke about her response to criticism:

"Winning the gold medal was the best way to answer all the bullying I endured."

"My response during the Paris Olympics was always in the ring. And proving myself by winning the gold medal was even better."

"I believe my gold medal at the Paris Olympics was the most significant of the entire Games. It was a victory that carried meaning on every level—ethical, athletic, and in terms of sportsmanship."

IOC President Thomas Bach, who is set to step down later this year, stated this week that the controversy surrounding Khelif’s participation in Paris was the result of a "fake news campaign originating from Russia."