Saudi Arabia's ambassador, IOC member Princess Reema calls for an end to criticism of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif
LONDON: The Saudi ambassador to the United States said on Saturday that media criticism of Algerian Olympic gold medalist boxer Imane Khelif must stop and that “kindness and human dignity must prevail every time.”
Princess Reema bint Bandar spoke at the International Olympic Committee's 142nd session in Paris in her capacity as a member of the IOC and an official of its Commission for Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
However, she said that in the case of the abuse Khelif has been subjected to, she spoke as “a woman, a Muslim and an Arab woman.”
She continued: “As such, I cannot in good conscience serve on this committee and remain silent on the media commentary about Imane Khelif.
“I would like to say today that I wholeheartedly support (IOC President) Thomas Bach and everyone who communicated the joint Paris 2024 Boxing Unit and IOC statement that was made on August 1.”
The Algerian won a gold medal during a tumultuous run in Paris, where she has endured intense scrutiny inside and outside the ring and online abuse from around the world over misconceptions about her femininity.
“From my point of view the facts are clear, Khelif is a woman,” Princess Reema said. “She was born a girl and has lived her entire life as a woman. But despite this joint statement, there has been continuous misreporting based on misinformation that has caused immeasurable pain and this is not only unacceptable but absolutely heartbreaking,” she added.
The ambassador said that from humble roots in rural Algeria, Khelif had worked as hard as any other Olympic athlete, with “determination, grit and perseverance”, for the right to compete before the world.
Princess Reema bint Bandar spoke at the International Olympic Committee's 142nd session in Paris in her capacity as a member of the IOC and an official of its Commission for Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. (Included)
“As is the nature of Olympians, she represents the most superior ability and capacity, and this is what makes these games so spectacular and what makes Paris so spectacular. But no one has the right to deny her her femininity and to continue to push false narratives against her is an attempt to rob her of her dignity and her merits, says Princess Reema.
“So, I stand here today in front of his distinguished committee and I say this cannot go on. Female Olympians are elite, they train to be the best of the best. And it's that collective failure for all of us that we still having this conversation, so I think it's more important than ever.
The princess said that if a woman remained silent, she was seen as accepting false reports or as weak, but if she were to speak out, she would be labeled defensive.
“I think athletes should focus on their performance, not have to justify their existence,” she told the committee.
“No athlete should be bullied or ridiculed for their looks, no athlete should have their wins, or talents or achievements that they have developed over a lifetime, weaponized against them, because what eclipses looks is talent.
“These Olympics are a time to celebrate diversity, with athletes from every corner of the world. But ladies and gentlemen, you know, women don't look, speak or act individually and every woman who excels in her sport, she's unique. The only commonality is the determination to get to the top, she added.
The Saudi princess said after Khelif's quarter-final victory, as she fell to her knees in tears, “every woman who has ever felt isolated, mocked or told they didn't belong; they fell with her. And when she got up, they got up with her.”
She added that she offered her full support not only to the IOC and the “brave and bold statements they have made”, but also to “every woman who has been subjected to unnecessary criticism, in what should have been their time to shine and reap .”
She continued: “To the public and humanity, I ask that you look at female athletes and look at what they have endured and ask yourselves: What was that to your daughter? What if it was your female friend or relative? Your words matter and our behavior matters.
“And to every girl who thinks she's a little outside the box or outside the norm, if you see a racket, pick it up; if you see a soccer ball, kick it; and if you see a track, run as fast as you can.”
