Imane Khelif Celebrated on Return to Algeria

Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif received a hero's welcome upon her return to Algeria, particularly in her hometown of Tiaret, where she was celebrated with a parade and tributes from local leaders. Khelif expressed gratitude for the support from both the government and the public, emphasizing that all Algerians deserve to celebrate. Her return comes amid ongoing scrutiny regarding her eligibility for women's competition, fueled by unfounded allegations about her gender from figures like Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling. Despite the challenges, Khelif's achievements have become a source of national pride, exemplifying resilience in the face of adversity. Residents of Tiaret expressed hopes that the support for Khelif would continue beyond this celebration, recognizing her struggles and inspiring journey. This outpouring of support reflects a broader sentiment of national solidarity in response to international controversies about Khelif's identity.