The Algerian boxer returned to her country after filing a complaint for cyberbullying and visited a beauty centre where she underwent a remarkable transformation.

Imane Khelif's journey through the Paris Olympics has not gone unnoticed. Not only did her outstanding performance win her the gold medal, but her debut also sparked controversy when her Italian opponent, Angela Carina, retired after 46 seconds, citing unfairness due to Khelif's genetic condition and the overwhelming strength she displayed, unlike anything Carina had ever experienced in a boxing match.

The Algerian boxer has faced accusations that she is transgender, when in fact she suffers from hyperandrogenism, a condition that causes her to produce more testosterone. This condition led to criticism that she had an unfair advantage and resulted in her being disqualified from previous International Boxing Association (IBA) competitions.

Last year, Khelif was disqualified hours before her gold medal bout at the Women's World Championships in New Delhi for failing to meet the IBA's eligibility criteria.

As the Olympics progressed, she gained more and more support, especially in her home country, and her image began to be rehabilitated. After winning gold, she returned to Algeria, where she was greeted by crowds. Before returning, she filed a lawsuit in Paris for "cyberbullying".

In an effort to rebuild her image, she underwent a surprising makeover back in Algeria, with longer, wavy hair. The Beauty Code centre she visited said: "To win her medal, she had no time to spend in beauty salons or shopping. She never felt the need to conform to these standards to prove her existence".

"By changing her appearance, Imane (Khelif) was not trying to change herself to fit into the boxes the world tries to put us into. Her message is much deeper: clothes do not make the monk, and appearance does not reveal the essence of a person. She can be feminine and elegant if she wants to, but in the ring she doesn't need frills or high heels. All she needs is strategy, strength and a powerful punch, which is the essence of her personality."

In a joint video shared on Instagram by Beauty Code and Khelif, the Olympian is seen in the foreground wearing a blue shirt and her red boxing gloves. The video then cuts to a shot of Khelif in a different look, wearing a white floral button-up shirt and hoop earrings adorned with pink flowers.

She also wore pink eye shadow and matching lipstick, as well as a silver necklace.Khelif completed her look with the gold medal she won in the women's welterweight tournament in Paris on 9 August. The video ends with the Algerian athlete smiling at the camera, her curly hair flowing.

On social network X, many people praised Khelif's new look, while others said the boxer shouldn't have to make her appearance more feminine.

After winning the gold medal at the Olympics, Khelif addressed how she was criticised on social media with comments about her gender. "I am a woman, I was born a woman, I have lived as a woman. There's no doubt about that," she said.

"Everything that is said about me on social media is immoral. I want to change the mindset of people all over the world." Khelif also said that by winning the gold she was sending a message to the IBA about "dignity and honour", she concluded.