In a dramatic and bold transformation, Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif has revealed a striking new look, reflecting on a challenging journey since her gold medal win in Paris.

Now 26, Khelif was recently photographed alongside Algerian TV and podcast host Nassima Djaffar Bey. Sporting flowing hair and glamorous makeup, Khelif's new appearance marks a significant personal shift as she continues to navigate the turbulent waters of sports and identity.

The former champion, who garnered global attention not only for her athletic prowess but also for the controversies surrounding her gender eligibility, last fought in 2024. Despite her Olympic triumph in the women's welterweight division, her path to recognition has been overshadowed by eligibility disputes.

Driven to reclaim her space in the ring, Khelif faced disqualification from the 2023 World Championships alongside Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting over alleged failures in gender testing imposed by the International Boxing Association (IBA). However, hope was restored when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) cleared her for the upcoming 2024 Paris Games.

The introduction of mandatory genetic sex testing by the newly formed governing body, World Boxing, has further complicated Khelif's return to competition. This controversial policy requires athletes to undergo PCR-based screenings to detect the presence of the Y chromosome, barring Khelif from participating in events until she fulfills this requirement.

In a recent Instagram post marking the anniversary of her Olympic victory, Khelif expressed her emotional journey, stating, "It was an unforgettable moment... Today, I'm going through a difficult phase filled with challenges, silence, and waiting... But despite everything, the spirit that fought for gold still beats within me." She concluded with determination, "I am Imane Khelif — a champion yesterday, resilient today, and determined to return tomorrow."

The debate around mandatory sex testing in women’s sports continues to intensify, raising serious concerns about fairness, privacy, and the impact on athletes with differences in sex development (DSD). World Boxing has emphasized that athletes identified with Y chromosome material may only compete in men's categories unless granted specific privileges post-assessment.

As the sports world watches closely, the IOC has reassured that no retrospective action will undo Khelif’s Olympic results, highlighting the importance of maintaining the integrity of women's sports in light of recent controversies.