Paris Olympics 2024

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      in Soccer

      Paris braces for France v Israel with SAS-style special forces & ‘1 cop per 3 fans’ as anti-Semitic chaos sweeps Europe

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      FRANCE are set to take on Israel in a huge Nations League clash this week with Paris bracing for dangerous anti-Semitic chaos. SAS-style special forces are being deployed across the city ahead of Thursday’s game with officials announcing there will be at least one cop per three football fans in the capital.SAS-style RAID special forces are being deployed across Paris ahead of the France vs Israel matchCredit: AFPOfficials have announced there will be at least one cop per three football fans in the capitalCredit: GettySecurity concerns ahead of the match are already mounting with Paris’ police chief labelling it as a “high-risk event”.The fears have drastically ramped up in recent days after disturbing footage showed Israeli football fans being chased through the streets of Amsterdam by an anti-Semitic mob.Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were ambushed by masked rioters in the Dutch city as they left the Johan Cruyff stadium last Thursday.This has prompted international concerns over the safety of Jewish fans particularly those watching Israeli-based teams.read more in football fearsWith the international break now underway, Israel’s national side are due to play France away in Paris before travelling to play against Belgium on Sunday.The match against Belgium has already faced intense scrutiny with it being moved to a neutral venue in Hungary due to safety fears.Despite France agreeing to host the 81st ranked international side in their capital a number of security measures have been put in place.SAS-style special forces and up to 6,000 other officers are all scheduled to be on duty for the high-risk game at the Stade de France.Most read in FootballOrganisers have told The Sun that they are struggling to sell tickets due to issues around Israel with the Middle Eastern conflict – with less than 15,000 seats reserved so far.France’s elite RAID tactical unit are believed to be the first line of defence at the game and have been deployed following the violence in Amsterdam.Inside Paris’ ‘patchwork of steel’ security op with AI surveillance, 45,000 cops & drones for most guarded Olympics everParis police chief Laurent Nuñez said security at the game was of extreme concern for the authorities. He said: “There’s a context, tensions that make that match a high-risk event for us.”There will be an anti-terrorist security perimeter around the stadium.”RAID – which stands for Search, Assistance, Intervenion, Deterrence – will be in the stadium, he confirmed.The RAID was one of the first special forces units rushed to the scene when ISIS suicide bombers attacked Paris in November 2015.Terrorist thugs killed 130 people on a single night with chilling eruptions even being heard from the Stade de France on the harrowing night.Israeli security forces, including agents from the Mossad intelligence agency, will also be inside the stadium.French President Emmanuel Macron and his prime minister, Michel Barnier, will also attend the match.Many people have called for the game to be moved to a neutral venue but Bruno Retailleau, France’s Interior Minister, said it was hugely important that the game went ahead in Paris.Rioters run through the streets amid disturbing clashes in Amsterdam between Israelis and an anti-Semitic mobCredit: RexRAID officers will join 6,000 cops to help protect Paris after the police chief labelled the game as a ‘high-risk event’Credit: AFPIsrael fans have been targeted at sporting events such as in the Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyHe said: “I think that for a symbolic reason we must not yield, we must not give up.”The RAID has been active since the Israeli team set foot on French soil, and they will be in the stadium.”The Israel team arrived in France on Wednesday but have been forced to train and stay at secret locations on the outskirts of Paris.Manager Ran Ben Shimon has told the press he and the team feel safe.France has already answered calls for tightened security around Israeli athletes after the 2024 Paris Olympics earlier this year.They deployed a widely successful “ring of steel” around the Games to ensure safety after several declarations of violence from terror group ISIS and anti-Israel parties.It became the most guarded Games ever with over 60,000 cops and soldiers, drones, helicopters and a huge increase in AI surveillance all deployed.Just this week, a Jewish football team was placed under police protection after it was “attacked” by a knife-wielding pro-Palestinian mob in Berlin.Teens from Makkabi Berlin’s youth team claim they were “hunted down” by a group of Arab youngsters after a game against local rivals.One player’s dad claimed that his son was “deeply shaken” when he came back home from the game.The boy was allegedly spat at and later harassed by a mob of kids and adults who followed the squad off the pitch with sticks and knives. There’s a context, tensions that make that match a high-risk event for usLaurent NuñezParis police chief Away from the football, another Israeli-linked security fear comes in the form of a pro-Palestinian march.Thousands are expected to take to the streets of Paris on Wednesday – a day before the football clash – to demonstrate against a controversial pro-Israel gala.The “Israel is Forever” gala was originally set to be attended by Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich but he has since pulled out.Several controversial figures linked to Israel’s far-Right are expected to show – making life difficult for cops.Police chief Nuñez spoke on the gala and said: “A gala in a closed place is not a demonstration on the public road, so it is more complicated for a prefect to ban it.”I considered that there was no risk of disturbing public order but we will be attentive to the comments made and I can potentially take legal action.”An open letter by seven civil rights groups to the French media reads: “Holding this gala in the French capital constitutes an insult to international law and contempt for the United Nations and for the orders issued by the highest international court.”A counter-demonstration has also been announced and is expected to attract up to 8,000 people.Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, antisemitic violence has surged globally.It has been fuelled by heightened geopolitical tensions and polarising public discourse around the war.This escalation is marked by an alarming rise in physical attacks, threats, and hate speech targeting Jewish communities.In Europe, reports of antisemitism have spiked, with attacks on synagogues, Jewish schools, and individuals intensifying.Countries like Germany and France have seen notable incidents of physical violence and vandalism.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn Germany, synagogues were firebombed, and Jewish youth sports teams have reported attacks, reflecting a growing climate of fear.Public spaces associated with Jewish identity, including schools and cemeteries, have also required heightened police protection.A match between Mali and Israel at the Parc des Princes in July 24 saw brawls up in the standsCredit: The Mega AgencySoldiers patrolling the River Seine at the OlympicsCredit: APMembers of the RAID deescalating a situation in FranceCredit: AFP More

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      in Athletics

      World’s sexiest athlete Alica Schmidt makes career change as she switches event after ’emotional rollercoaster’ Olympics

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      ALICA SCHMIDT has made a big career change after an “emotional rollercoaster” Olympics.The athletics star, who is dubbed the ‘world’s sexiest athlete’, completed her dream of competing in the Olympics this year.Alica Schmidt has made a career change after a topsy-turvy yearCredit: ReutersThe runner competed in the Olympics for the first time this yearCredit: GettySchmidt is eager to push herself out of her comfort zoneCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt’s participation in the Games proved controversialCredit: Instagram @alicasmdShe missed out in Tokyo after being left as a reserve by Germany.In Paris she was selected in the 4x400m mixed relay, which proved controversial as Luna Bulmahn was expected to get the nod.Germany failed to qualify from the heat but Schmidt was delighted to take part in the Olympics, even if her selection was not wholly supported.She reflected on a topsy-turvy year while revealing she has big plans for the future – competing in the 800m.READ MORE IN SPORTShe wrote on social media: “It’s been quite a year. It was filled with so many highlights and I made some memories that will last forever – from the world relays in the Bahamas, where we qualified the mixed relay for the Olympics.”To the European championships in Rome, where we qualified the women’s 4x400m for Paris to the German nationals and of course: THE OLYMPICS.”After Paris I tried something new and ran an 800m and 600m and really enjoyed pushing out of my comfort zone. “Back in 2022, I decided that I wanted to give the 800m a shot after the Paris Olympics, so now it means… I’m going for it next year. I‘m on my way to my first high altitude training camp where I’ll join an international 800m group to train alongside great athletes where I can learn a lot.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I‘m super excited for this new challenge and what it will bring (I‘m also going to run the 400m but focus more on the endurance part in training for now). Let this journey begin.”Schmidt, 26, marked her achievement by getting a tattoo of the iconic Olympics rings on her thigh, which she says will be her first and only tattoo.Alica Schmidt gives fans glimpse behind scenes at final day at Olympic village and closing ceremony More

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      in Boxing

      Pregnant Laura Woods reveals she’s received death threats and lost friends over stance on gender row boxer Imane Khelif

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      LAURA WOODS has admitted to losing friends and receiving death threats over her stance on Imane Khelif.Khelif, 25, won Olympic gold in the women’s 66kg welterweight boxing in Paris.Laura Woods has been outspoken about the Imane Khelif situationCredit: RexKhelif won gold at the Paris OlympicsCredit: AFPThe Algerian was cleared to fight at the Games after previously being booted out the 2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships for failing a gender test.Ahead of the Olympics, chiefs slammed the IBA’s disqualification as “sudden and arbitrary” and taken “without any due process”, allowing the athlete born a woman to compete.TV presenter Woods has been outspoken about the issue and praised an article on social media that highlighted concerns about Khelif’s involvement during the Olympics.At the time, she said amongst a number of tweets: “Since I replied to this article I’ve had numerous death threats to myself and my unborn child. READ MORE IN SPORT”Questions on my own gender (I’m pregnant so guess that clears that one up) calls for my employers to sack me, threats to my home…”I’ve been called a racist, a bigot and a sexist as well as various insults.”When there are discrepancies with test results – which could impact the safety of another human being, in an environment that above all else should be fair – questions are quite rightly going to be asked. “The answers are still unclear, otherwise this topic would be closed.”Most read in BoxingFollowing the release of supposed leaked medical reports that claim Khelif is a “biological man”, Woods took to social media once again today.She wrote: “Saw A LOT of what was written about me and others for even daring to ask questions about this. I won’t forget that. Moment Olympic gender row boxer Imane Khelif breaks down in tears on TV as she hits out at ‘cruel’ Elon Musk”I hope the women who had to face a biological man in the ring and whose concerns were drowned out, now get some sort of justice, but I won’t hold my breath.”A follower replied: “Hope you haven’t lost friends over it Laura. Well done for sticking to your guns! I hope the young lady can get her medal.”Then again, why would she want it? Her Olympic dream was ruined from the get go.”Woods, who is currently pregnant after announcing she is expecting a baby with former Love Island star Adam Collard, responded: “Unfortunately I have.”I’ve seen their tweets on here about me (repeatedly). On the medal, I don’t think she will get it, which is the biggest travesty, and the fact the IOC allowed this all to happen.”Olympics gender controversyTHE International Olympic Committee (IOC) stirred up a huge controversy by clearing two women to box who had previously failed a gender test.Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified at the Women’s World Championships in New Delhi, India, in March 2023.Lin Yu-ting was stripped of a bronze medal after failing a gender eligibility test.Khelif was disqualified in New Delhi for failing a testosterone level test.Officials found tests showed they had ‘XY chromosomes’ — which indicates a person is biologically male.Rare ‘intersex’ medical conditions, medically known as differences in sexual development (DSDs), can also mean outwardly female individuals can have ‘male’ chromosomes, or vice versa.The Russia-led International Boxing Association organised that event but is no longer recognised by the IOC.IOC spokesman Mark Adams said: “These athletes have competed many times before for many years, they haven’t just suddenly arrived – they competed in Tokyo.”The federation needs to make the rules to make sure that there is fairness but at the same time there is the ability for everyone to take part that wants to. That is a difficult balance.”In the end the experts for each sport are the people who work in that. If there is a big advantage that clearly is not acceptable, but that needs to be a decision made at that level.”Both Khelif and Lin competed at the delayed Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. Lin is a two-time winner at the Asian Women Amateur Boxing Championships.The IOC said all boxers in Paris “comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations”.The controversy follows the famous case of Caster Semenya.South African middle-distance runner Semenya has a condition which means her body naturally produces higher levels of testosterone than normal for women.She won gold in the 800m at London 2012 and Rio in 2016 but was unable to compete at Tokyo in 2021 after World Athletics brought in new rules independently of the IOC at the time. More

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      in Boxing

      Gender row boxer Imane Khelif is ‘biological man’ leaked report claims after athlete won gold in Paris Olympics

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      CALLS for Olympics gender row boxer Imane Khelif to be stripped of her gold medal have been made following a leaked medical report.New documents have emerged allegedly proving that Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, 25 is a “biological man”.According to leaked reports, gold medalist Imane Khelif is allegedly a “biological male”Credit: AlamyShe was one of two controversial female boxers to participate in the Paris OlympicsCredit: APThe leaked reports come from Khelif’s medical recordsCredit: ReutersAccording to French magazine Le Correspondant, Khelif’s medical records from 2023 showed she had neither ovaries or a uterus, The report was initially put together in 2023 via collaboration between French and Algerian expert endocrinologists working at the Kremlin-Bicetre hospital in Paris, and the Mohamed Lamine Debaghine hospital in Algiers, as reported by BiLD.Medical experts determined that Khelif allegedly has what is known as a “5a-reductase-2 deficiency.” This is a sexual development that is outside the norm and can only occur in biological men. Read more sports newsNewborns with the condition are often classified as girls as the testes are located inside.The two reports are part of Khelif’s medical records, which have been known to the International Olympics Committee since May 2023.It is not yet clear whether the IOC will now initiate a retrospective investigation and revoke the gold medalEarlier this year, the WBO were forced to deny “obviously false” reports that they had banned Khelif and stripped her of her Paris medal for failing gender eligibility tests.Most read in BoxingThe WBO’s legal counsel Gustavo Olivieri said in a statement the body had “not tested, nor had it banned,” Khelif and had had no communication with her.A year prior to the Olympics, Khelif was disqualified from the Women’s World Championships for failing the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) gender eligibility rules.But the Russian-led body was stripped of its governance by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over integrity and governance issues.The IBA’s tests result and credibility was also called into question.Khelif has previously insisted she is a biological female, stating: “As for whether I qualify or not, whether I am a woman or not, I have made many statements in the media.”I am fully qualified to take part in this competition. I’m a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, I lived as a woman, I competed as a woman, there’s no doubt about that.”The Olympic gold medalist made international headlines when Italian opponent Angela Carini quit just 46 seconds into their bout.Following the controversial victory, Khelif’s dad Amar came out swinging to defend his daughter.He said: “The attacks against her are immoral, it is not fair.”Imane is a little girl that has loved sport since she was six-years-old, she used to play football.”These critics and rumours aim to destabilize Imane, they don’t want her to be the champion of the world. “I tell her prove them wrong in the ring and I hope that she will honour Algeria and Arabic countries and win the gold medal. “She is our role model, and we want to be like her and honour Algeria and Tiaret.”‘Boxing was dedicated only to men’Explaining how she first got into the sport, Khelif said: “I have always loved football and I played it in my little village. My father always preferred football to boxing.”But I was very good at sports in my school and my teacher encouraged me to become a boxer since I had good physical qualities and he was right.”READ MORE SUN STORIESShe also went on to add: “I come from a conservative region and family. Boxing was a sport dedicated only to men.”It was not a straightforward path into boxing as Khelif was forced to come up with the money to get her to the gym.Angela Carini of Italy sensationally quit after 46 seconds in the ring with KhelifCredit: GettyThe Italian boxer dropped to her knees in tearsCredit: Getty More

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      Olympic champion joins OnlyFans just two years after raunchy Playboy photoshoot… but there’s a catch

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      OLYMPIC champion Lisa Buckwitz announced she has joined OnlyFans – but will not be posing nude on the platform.Buckwitz, 29, won gold at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics in the two-woman bobsleigh event.Olympic champion Lisa Buckwitz announced she has joined OnlyFansCredit: Instagram @lisa_buckwitzHowever, Buckwitz will not be posing nude on OnlyFansCredit: Instagram @lisa_buckwitzBobsledder Buckwitz posed naked on the cover of Playboy GermanyCredit: Instagram @lisa_buckwitzBuckwitz wanted to highlight the importance of natural beauty before the Winter OlympicsCredit: Instagram @lisa_buckwitzThe German athlete also became world champion this year in the two-woman event in Winterberg, Germany, and won bronze in the Monobob event.The bobsledder made headlines two years ago when she posed naked on the cover of Playboy Germany to highlight the importance of natural beauty before the Winter Olympics at Beijing 2022.She was joined by skeleton racer Janine Flock before they flew to China.And now the Olympian has officially joined OnlyFans after signing a sponsorship agreementRead More on SportBuckwitz told BILD: “Fans get exclusive access to content that I don’t normally share – the daily grind, the dynamics within the team, and the personal milestones that often go unseen.”I will post as often as I can and share everything – from fitness and nutrition tips to competition preparation to the rituals that help me focus on competition day.”For me, it’s a real opportunity to show people what it means to compete at the highest level in this sport – beyond the competitive moments.”This platform allows me to connect with my fans on a personal level and to network with people who are genuinely interested in competitive sport and my path in it.”Most read in AthleticsBut Buckwitz won’t be sharing any X-rated content like other popular users.Instead she will be paid a fixed fee as part of the sponsorship and receive a possible bonus payment based on subscriptions sold.Inside eerie abandoned winter Olympics venue transformed into war base that now lays rotting & riddled with bullet holes As part of the deal, the OnlyFans logo will also feature on Buckwitz’s bob and clothing this season.Buckwitz won gold at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics with Mariama JamankaCredit: GettyBuckwitz became world champion this year in the two-woman event in WinterbergCredit: Instagram @lisa_buckwitzBuckwitz also won bronze in the Monobob eventCredit: Instagram @lisa_buckwitz More

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      in Boxing

      Olympic champ, 53, who David Haye brutally KO’d returns to boxing with emotional statement about ‘facing my demons’

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      AUDLEY HARRISON has announced he is returning to boxing.Harrison became Team GB’s first Olympic boxing champion since 1968 when he returned from Sydney in 2000 with the gold. Audley Harrison announced he is back in boxing as a managerCredit: X/ audleyharrisonDavid Haye knocked out Harrison in 2010Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut he could not recreate the same success in the professional ranks, infamously losing by third-round knockout to David Haye in 2010.Harrison retired in 2013 but has now revealed plans to return as a manager after having his licence approved. He posted on social media: “I walked away from boxing for many years … partly because I didn’t want to tell my story, as I didn’t want to face my demons of my past, but life doesn’t work like that, so I’m ready to lift the lid, but not now.”All that knowledge & experience I have hasn’t gone, its been sitting dormant, waiting for me to return to guide that fighter who’s fallen and needs my support to help him rise.READ MORE IN BOXING”Ready like Freddy – its’ time to go. Cheers to me.”Harrison turned pro a year after his Olympic heroics and breezed past his first 19 fights. But the cracks started to appear after suffering consecutive losses to Danny Williams and then Dominick Guinn.Williams lost Commonwealth, European and British heavyweight title fights before challenging for Haye’s world heavyweight championship. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Harrison only landed ONE single punch the whole bout and his career was left in tatters in the aftermath.The heavyweight boxed six times after defeat to Haye, losing for the final time against future champ Deontay Wilder. In retirement, Harrison, 53, featured on TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Big Brother and MasterChef while becoming a poker player. Mike Tyson, 58, sparks concern as he says he ‘wants to die in the ring’ ahead of Jake Paul fight in new Netflix video More

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      in Athletics

      Geoff Capes dead at 75: Legendary strongman and Britain’s finest shot putter passes away

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      GEOFF CAPES has sadly passed away at the age of 75.The legendary strongman was considered Britain’s finest shot-putter and was one of its biggest celebrities at his peak.Geoff Capes has passed away at the age of 75Credit: GettyCapes seen here lifting fellow 80s star and legendary Sun Page 3 girl Linda LusardiCredit: GettyHe was pictured with record-breaking England goalkeeper Peter Shilton at a charity event in 2019Credit: XHe also bred budgies outside of sportCredit: GettyA family statement said: “The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad passing today, 23rd October.”Britain’s finest shot-putter and twice world’s strongest man.”Capes, from Holbeach in Lincolnshire, was adored by millions and became a household name in the Eighties and Nineties.The 6ft 6ins star, who still holds the British shot put record at 21.68mtrs, was also twice named the World’s Strongest Man.READ MORE ON SPORTHis first victory came in the World’s Strongest Man event in 1983 in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the second was two years later in Cascais, Portugal.During his shot-put career he won gold medals in the European Indoor Championships and the Commonwealth Games.Fans of Capes, who weighed 27st at one point, have flooded social media to pay tribute to the legend.One posted: “RIP legendary strongman Geoff Capes.”Most read in AthleticsA second wrote: “Another sporting hero from our youth leaves us. RIP Geoff Capes.”A third commented: “Sad to hear of the death of Geoff Capes. He was a big part of my TV childhood. Thoughts are with his family and friends.”Tributes have flooded in for the legend on social mediaCredit: GettyHe also competed at two Olympic gamesCredit: AlamyHe made an appearance on hit children’s series the The Sooty ShowCredit: YouTubeHe was often a star guest on light entertainment programmes in the Eighties and early Nineties and is seen here on The Little And Large Show as BlutoCredit: X / Formerly known as TwitterCapes with one of his budgerigars in 1978Credit: GettyA fourth said: “So sad to hear the news that Geoff Capes passed away.”He was also a three-time Olympian, competing at Munich in 1972, Montreal in 1976 in Moscow in 1980.In his debut games, the talented sportsman who also represented his county at basketball, football and cross country, he finished in 20th place.He was one of the favourites for gold at both of his latter tournaments but finished sixth and fifth.Former policeman Capes also competed in the Highland Games in Scotland and won the World Heavy Events title in Lagos in 1981.At the European Championships in Prague in 1978, he was sent home in disgrace.He had punched a referee and two guards who were holding machine guns after they complained that he was not wearing the correct number for the competition.After retiring, he went on to coach stars in both athletics and strength athletics.He helped Adrian Smith take fifth spot in the World’s Strongest Man in 1990.During the Eighties, he was a regular on TV screens in the country, appearing on entertainment shows such as Little and Large, the Sooty Show and the Kenny Everett Television Show.One of nine children, his shot-put talent was passed down to his family, with daughter Emma a Youth Olympics bronze medalist.His son, Lewis, has played American Football for the London Monarchs.Outside of sport, he was a huge lover of budgies.He bred the birds for more than four decades – getting his first three birds from a man he went to arrest for failing to pay a fine in 1969 when he was in the police.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was named the president of the Budgerigar Society in 2008.He bred his own birds for over three decades and was overjoyed when he was bestowed with the honour.Geoff Capes’ career medalsStrongman career:1983 World’s Strongest Man1985 World’s Strongest Man1980 Europe’s Strongest Man1982 Europe’s Strongest Man1984 Europe’s Strongest Man1987 World Strongman Challenge winner1987 World Muscle Power Classic winnerShotput career:Gold – 1974 Commonwealth GamesGold – 1978 Commonwealth GamesGold – 1974 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipGold – 1976 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipSilver – 1975 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipSilver – 1977 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipSilver – 1979 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipBronze – 1978 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipBronze – 1974 European Athletics Championship More

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      in Boxing

      Olympics 2024 gender row boxer Imane Khelif set to turn pro after winning gold in Paris

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      GOLD medal Olympian Imane Khelif is set to become a professional boxer.Khelif, 25, won the top prize in the women’s welterweight boxing category in Paris in the summer. Imane Khelif has announced her intention to become a professional boxerCredit: ReutersKhelif won gold at the Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyHowever, what should have been a joyous run as she lifted Algeria’s first-ever gold medal in the event was tarnished by a gender row.After Italy’s Angela Carini quit their tournament opener after 46 seconds, unsubstantiated claims she was born a male spread like wildfire on social media.Names with huge followings including Elon Musk, JK Rowling and Donald Trump all piled into the conversation, with Khelif slamming subsequent attacks against her and her family as “cruel”.This prompted her to file a lawsuit against Musk’s X platform for facilitating online harassment towards her.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut following her success at the Paris Games, Khelif is now taking the next step in her already record-breaking boxing career.Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, she said: “I would like to hold a press conference today to share with you my success story with the media family and young women who watch me.”There is a documentary being prepared about my success story and it will be shown on international platforms.”I will soon enter the world of professional boxing, I have many offers.Most read in Boxing”Currently, I have not made up my mind about where I will enter professional boxing.”But very soon I will take this step, we as Algerians would like to see our level in the field of professionalism.”Moment Olympic gender row boxer Imane Khelif breaks down in tears on TV as she hits out at ‘cruel’ Elon MuskA recent video of Khelif on Instagram showed her in training with the caption: “Before the spotlight, it’s all about the mindset. Focused, locked in, ready for gold.”Earlier this month the WBO were forced to deny “obviously false” reports that they had banned Khelif and stripped her of her Paris medal for failing gender eligibility tests.The WBO’s legal counsel Gustavo Olivieri said in a statement the body had “not tested, nor had it banned,” Khelif and had had no communication with her.With Khelif still being an amateur, the WBO would have no jurisdiction or power to strip her medal.A year prior to the Olympics, Khelif was disqualified from the Women’s World Championships for failing the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) gender eligibility rules.But the Russian-led body was stripped of its governance by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over integrity and governance issues.The IBA’s tests result and credibility was also called into question.IOC and Paris 2024 Boxing Unit statement in fullA look at the full statement issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit…Every person has the right to practise sport without discrimination.All athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU). As with previous Olympic boxing competitions, the gender and age of the athletes are based on their passport.These rules also applied during the qualification period, including the boxing tournaments of the 2023 European Games, Asian Games, Pan American Games and Pacific Games, the ad hoc 2023 African qualifying tournament in Dakar (SEN) and two world qualifying tournaments held in Busto Arsizio (ITA) and Bangkok (THA) in 2024, which involved a total of 1,471 different boxers from 172 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the Boxing Refugee Team and Individual Neutral Athletes, and featured over 2,000 qualification bouts.The PBU used the Tokyo 2020 boxing rules as a baseline to develop its regulations for Paris 2024. This was to minimise the impact on athletes’ preparations and guarantee consistency between Olympic Games. These Tokyo 2020 rules were based on the post-Rio 2016 rules, which were in place before the suspension of the boxing International Federation by the IOC in 2019 and the subsequent withdrawal of its recognition in 2023.We have seen in reports misleading information about two female athletes competing at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The two athletes have been competing in international boxing competitions for many years in the women’s category, including the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships and IBA-sanctioned tournaments.These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA. Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process.According to the IBA minutes available on their website, this decision was initially taken solely by the IBA Secretary General and CEO. The IBA Board only ratified it afterwards and only subsequently requested that a procedure to follow in similar cases in the future be established and reflected in the IBA Regulations. The minutes also say that the IBA should “establish a clear procedure on gender testing”.The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure – especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years.Such an approach is contrary to good governance.Eligibility rules should not be changed during ongoing competition, and any rule change must follow appropriate processes and should be based on scientific evidence.The IOC is committed to protecting the human rights of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games as per the Olympic Charter, the IOC Code of Ethics and the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights. The IOC is saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving.The IBA’s recognition was withdrawn by the IOC in 2023 following its suspension in 2019. The withdrawal of recognition was confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). See the IOC’s statement following the ruling.The IOC has made it clear that it needs National Boxing Federations to reach a consensus around a new International Federation in order for boxing to be included on the sports programme of the Olympic Games LA28. More