This is said in a video Donald Trump has posted on X before a picture of Imane Khelif appears.
The Algerian boxer won Olympic gold at the summer games in Paris, but both before and after her victory, the debate surrounding the 25-year-old has raged on.
WON GOLD: Imane Khelif won Olympic gold in the 66-kilogram boxing class at the Olympics in Paris. Photo: John Locher / NTB
– Trump has always had a bloodhound’s nose for what concerns conservative grassroots voters. Here he is the leader who follows his own voters, says professor of political science, Hilmar Mjelde, to TV 2.
Khelif’s birth certificate shows that she was born a woman, and she identifies with that gender, according to USA Today and the news agency AP.
Still, Trump chooses to continually bring the Algerian into the election campaign.
– Completely absurd
The political science professor believes Khelif serves as a “stand-in” for transgender individuals.
– The trans debate is one of the things that creates the most engagement and anger in conservative America, even among ordinary people who are not politically active, says Mjelde.
– Trump thus mixes Khelif’s Olympic participation into the larger so-called culture war in the U.S., where the trans debate has become the biggest single issue. Especially the participation of transgender individuals in sports, continues the U.S. expert.
FOLLOWING THE ELECTION CLOSELY: Hilmar Mjelde is a professor at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and a U.S. expert. Photo: Jenny Eidesvik / TV 2
TV 2’s sports commentator Mina Finstad Berg reacts in disbelief after Trump’s video.
– Khelif is not a transgender person, but there are still many who have the perception that this is a transgender person who gets to participate in the women’s category, even though that is not true. Trump knows that when he stirs that water, he will catch fish.
– But it is actually completely absurd to bring this into this type of campaign video. It is not exactly Joe Biden who decides who gets to compete in the Olympics or not. Nevertheless, Trump tries to connect the Olympics and these moments to the Democrats. That is completely nonsensical, says Finstad Berg.
REACTS: TV 2’s sports commentator Mina Finstad Berg. Photo: Yngve Sem Pedersen / TV 2
– That’s why he keeps going
In March 2023, both Khelif and Taiwanese Lin Yu-ting were banned from the World Championships in New Delhi, where they were disqualified because they were assessed to have XY chromosomes.
Men typically have one X and one Y chromosome, while women have two X chromosomes.
Several teams have criticized the International Boxing Association (IBA) for unfair testing. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not recognize the IBA either.
– There is still a lot of uncertainty around Khelif, with many strong claims but very few solid evidence. Regardless, it is very irresponsible from a powerful person like Trump to use it as a “one-liner” in a video. It is quite despicable for a presidential candidate, says Finstad Berg.
Professor Mjelde is clear about why Trump is employing this strategy and why he is so focused on the topic.
– Trump’s strategy to win the election is to mobilize as much as he can of conservative America, rather than reaching out a hand to centrist voters. That’s why he keeps going with campaign ads intended to trigger even those who usually do not vote, says Mjelde.
Title: Unpacking the Politics of Sports: An Interview with Hilmar Mjelde
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to Time.news, where we dive into the intersection of current events and their broader implications. Today, we have Professor Hilmar Mjelde with us, a political science expert from the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. Hilmar, thank you for joining us.
Hilmar Mjelde: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
Editor: We’re discussing the recent wave of commentary that followed Donald Trump’s video post regarding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who won Olympic gold in Paris. This debate seems to center around identity and the cultural landscape in America, especially concerning transgender issues. What do you see as the underlying motivations for Trump bringing Khelif into his campaign narrative?
Hilmar Mjelde: Trump’s actions are very much guided by his political instincts. He has a knack for tapping into issues that resonate with conservative grassroots voters. Khelif, in this context, is being utilized as a symbolic figure in the larger culture war discourse in the U.S. Her participation in sports highlights the contentious debates surrounding transgender individuals in athletics.
Editor: It’s intriguing that you mention Khelif as a symbolic figure. Can you elaborate on why you believe she serves as a “stand-in” for transgender individuals in this debate?
Hilmar Mjelde: Certainly. The trans debate is one of the most polarizing topics in conservative circles, and it generates significant emotional responses—even from those who may not typically engage in political discourse. Khelif’s achievement, juxtaposed with the ongoing discussions about gender identity in sports, allows Trump to stir sentiments and mobilize support by channeling anger or frustration toward the Democratic stance on these issues. It’s an effective political strategy, despite the factual inaccuracies circulating.
Editor: Speaking of narratives, sports commentator Mina Finstad Berg expressed disbelief at Trump’s incorporation of Khelif into his campaign. She pointed out that Khelif is not transgender yet still gets conflated with such discussions. How does this misrepresentation impact public perception and the discourse surrounding athletes?
Hilmar Mjelde: That’s a key point. Misrepresentation can significantly skew public perception. Even though Khelif identifies as a woman and meets the criteria set by Olympic standards, the suggestion that she embodies trans representation can fuel misconceptions and polarization. It shapes narratives that may lead to misguided conclusions, ultimately perpetuating divides rather than fostering dialogue.
Editor: It’s a fascinating but complex dynamic. Why do you think the participation of transgender individuals in sports has become such a focal point in American politics?
Hilmar Mjelde: The topic taps into deeper societal fears and beliefs about identity, fairness, and competition. In a culture that often values traditional views on gender and sports, the inclusion of transgender athletes challenges established norms. This, in turn, ignites passion and debate, which makes it a prime issue for politicians seeking to rally or engage their base. The emotional weight of these topics is heavy, and they are polarizing—resulting in high levels of engagement from all sides.
Editor: Before we conclude, what are the potential ramifications of politicizing sports figures like Khelif in such a contentious manner?
Hilmar Mjelde: The ramifications can stretch beyond the immediate political landscape. This kind of politicization risks overshadowing the accomplishments of athletes, reducing their hard work to mere political tokens. It could also deepen societal divisions and hinder constructive conversations that could lead to greater understanding. As politics intertwine with sports, it may alienate fans and participants who feel marginalized by these narratives. Sports should ideally be a place of unity and celebration, yet they risk becoming battlegrounds for deeper societal issues.
Editor: Thank you, Hilmar, for shedding light on this intricate issue. It’s clear that understanding the broader implications of these discussions is crucial as we navigate our current political climate.
Hilmar Mjelde: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep these conversations going.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us today. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions here at Time.news.
