Princess Reema bint Bandar, the Saudi Ambassador to the United States and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), made a passionate plea during the IOC’s Closing Session on Saturday

She began by commending the Paris 2024 Olympics organizing committee and the nation of France for their exceptional execution of the event. However, her focus quickly shifted to a more pressing concern: the media’s treatment of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.

As a member of the Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission, Princess Reema expressed deep concern over the ongoing misreporting about Imane Khelif

She stated, “I am a female, a Muslim, an Arab. These are all inextricably linked to my identity. And as such, I cannot serve with good conscience on this committee and remain silent on the media commentary of Imane Khelif.” Princess Reema emphasized that Khelif, a woman who has lived her entire life as a female, deserves respect and recognition for her accomplishments, not the relentless and false narratives being pushed by the media. She condemned the criticism as “unacceptable” and “heartbreaking.”

Reflecting on Khelif’s journey from a small village in Algeria to the Olympic stage, Princess Reema highlighted the boxer’s incredible determination and resilience

عضو اللجنة الأولمبية الدولية الأميرة “ريما بنت بندر بن سلطان”:

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بما أنني سيدة مسلمة عربية وهي سمات تجسد هويتي، فإنه لا يمكنني أن أبقى صامتة عما يتم تداوله إعلاميًا عن اللاعبة الجزائرية #إيمان_خليف فهي وُلدت فتاة وعاشت طوال عمرها أنثى.#الألعاب_الأولمبية pic.twitter.com/WAk9wuLOfs

— الأحداث السعودية (@NewsNow4KSA) August 10, 2024

She condemned any attempts to undermine Khelif’s womanhood, stating that no one has the right to rob her of her dignity and merit. Addressing the broader issue of the treatment of female athletes, Princess Reema called for an end to the unfair scrutiny and misreporting that women in sports often face. She emphasized that talent should always eclipse appearance, and no athlete should have to justify their existence or be bullied for their appearance.

In her concluding remarks, Princess Reema urged the public to reflect on the challenges female athletes endure and to treat them with kindness and dignity

She offered her support to all women who have faced unnecessary criticism and encouraged girls everywhere to pursue their dreams in sports, affirming that they have a place in the world of athletics.