In 2024, the sports world was electrified with unforgettable events, with the athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games stealing the show. Amid the excitement, fans and pundits turned their gaze to a group of standout competitors, with Google search data revealing that boxers and Olympic athletes topped the popularity charts, igniting conversation and debate across social media platforms.
The Most Searched Athletes of 2024
- Imane Khelif
- Mike Tyson
- Lamine Yamal
- Simone Biles
- Jake Paul
- Nico Williams
- Hardik Pandya
- Scottie Scheffler
- Shashank Singh
- Rodri
Imane Khelif: Champion or Controversy?
This summer, Imane Khelif made waves by clinching the gold in women’s boxing at the Paris Olympic Games. However, the spotlight turned dim when controversy erupted around her, with rumors swirling that she was a transgender athlete. In an era where debates about gender in sports are intensifying, Khelif’s triumph triggered an avalanche of reactions, overshadowing even legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafa Nadal, and Lionel Messi in search rankings.
A Storm of Controversy
The Algerian champion’s victory was marred as she faced a barrage of criticism online, with opponents alleging that she should not have competed against women due to claims regarding her chromosomes. The uproar ignited after Khelif delivered a stunning knockout against Italy’s Angela Carini in a mere 46 seconds.
Rehashing a past incident from 2023, Khelif had previously faced disqualification due to gender eligibility issues, which she maintains were rooted in hormonal factors. In the aftermath of her Olympic win, her legal team pledged to take action against anyone challenging her identity or dignity as an athlete.
Among those vocal about the situation was Logan Paul, brother of fellow influencer Jake Paul, who expressed his disapproval of the Olympic committee’s decisions, arguing vehemently that biological men should not compete against biological women. Although he later deleted his post, Paul’s remarks ignited further debates that continue to resonate.