Charly Arnolt, a former ESPN personality and outspoken critic of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, has publicly blasted the Associated Press (AP) journalists for their decision to back Algerian boxer Imane Khelif as one of their top female athletes of 2024.
Arnolt, speaking on OutKick’s The Morning show, expressed shock and disbelief that four AP journalists placed Khelif third in their Female Athlete of the Year voting, just behind Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles. She questioned the logic behind such a decision, particularly given the controversies surrounding Khelif’s gender eligibility.
Why Is Imane Khelif Controversial?
Imane Khelif, an Olympic boxer from Algeria, won gold in the women’s welterweight division despite lingering controversy about her gender. Earlier in the year, she was reportedly barred from the World Championships for failing gender eligibility tests.
Months after her Olympic victory, reports surfaced claiming Khelif is a “biological male.” However, the authenticity of these reports remains unclear. Despite this, AP reporters’ decision to include her in their top three picks has sparked outrage.
What Did Arnolt Say About the AP Journalists?
Arnolt didn’t mince words during her criticism of the AP reporters, questioning their judgment and credibility.
“How in the world are there four AP journalists, who make it their bread and butter covering sports, who decided that this person deserved to be the athlete of the year?” she asked.
Arnolt went on to express frustration over the unresolved debate surrounding Khelif’s gender. She called the situation “convoluted” and said that it’s impossible to freely discuss the matter without sparking controversy.
“Clearly these four journalists have some rewirings that need to be constructed in their brains,” Arnolt added.
Has Arnolt Criticized Similar Situations Before?
This isn’t the first time Arnolt has spoken out against transgender athletes in women’s sports. After leaving ESPN in April 2023, she accused the network of promoting a “woke” culture that left her feeling “stifled.”
She previously condemned ESPN for airing a tribute to transgender swimmer Lia Thomas during Women’s Month and called Thomas a “bigot” in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com.
Arnolt believes decisions like voting for Khelif reflect the influence of what she calls “fringe extreme leftists” in the mainstream media.
Who Won the AP Female Athlete of the Year Award?
The AP Female Athlete of the Year award went to Caitlin Clark, who had a sensational year in women’s basketball, including a stellar college season and an impressive debut in the WNBA. Clark received 35 votes, while Olympic gymnast Simone Biles came in second with 25 votes. Khelif received just four votes, yet her inclusion in the top three caused a significant uproar.
What’s Next for Imane Khelif?
Khelif is currently pursuing legal action over media reports that allegedly leaked her medical records. She has also filed a legal complaint with French authorities regarding the online abuse and harassment she endured during the Olympics.
What Does This Controversy Mean?
This heated debate underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports and how media organizations approach such sensitive topics. Arnolt’s fiery criticism adds yet another layer to the already polarized discussion, leaving many to question how sports institutions and journalists can navigate these complex issues in the future.
