Angela Carini withdrew from her bout against Khelif after just 46 seconds, tearfully describing how she had never been punched so hard. Alsalem condemned the International Olympic Committee for exposing female boxers to physical and psychological violence based on their sex.
Two months later, her anger at the situation has not subsided. She criticizes the IOC for putting women in a position where they were unsure of the sex of their opponents. In a sport where men punch on average 2.6 times harder than women, this uncertainty creates anxiety and throws women off.
As a direct adviser to the UN, Alsalem is able to channel her frustration into action. She presented a report to the UN General Assembly in New York, advocating for mandatory sex testing to ensure that women’s sport is reserved exclusively for those born female.
Alsalem’s report highlights how institutional weakness has led to over 600 female athletes around the world losing 890 medals in 29 different sports. She argues that categories in sports are essential, as biology plays a crucial role in performance and sex discrimination is prohibited by international law.
Despite the indifference of the IOC, Alsalem is determined to push back against their views. She is prepared to face resistance and raise awareness at the highest levels of global diplomacy.
