Controversial Olympic boxer receives votes for female athlete of the year

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who sparked an uproar at the Paris Olympics regarding gender and winning gold, has received the third highest number of votes for the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year 2024, per the New York Post.

Basketball player Caitlin Clark came in first, while gymnast Simone Biles came in second.

Khelif qualified for the Paris Olympics, but Khelif's gender was questioned after disqualification from the 2023 IBA Woman's Wold Championships due to issues of gender eligibility.

At the time, IBA President Umar Kremlev said Khelif had “XY chromosomes,” which are associated with men.

Paris Olympics boxer Angela Carini forfeited her fight against Khelif in tears after 46 seconds, saying “one punch hurt too much."

"I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects," said Khelif in August.

"It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people."

It is said Khelif was assigned female at birth — confirmed by her father, Amar Khelif, who has produced an official document from 1999 stating Khelif was born a girl.