The year 2024 was filled with unforgettable moments in sports, but the athletes who stood out the most were those who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. According to Google’s research, Olympic participants and boxers dominated the list of most searched athletes. However, the most searched athlete turned out to be a surprising name, driven not only by a victory but also by a controversial issue.
Top 10 Most Searched Athletes in 2024
- Imane Khelif
- Mike Tyson
- Lamine Yamal
- Simone Biles
- Jake Paul
- Nico Williams
- Hardik Pandya
- Scottie Scheffler
- Shashank Singh
- Rodri
The world watched as Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won gold in women’s boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, it was the controversy surrounding her alleged transgender status that drew unprecedented attention.
Khelif became more searched than global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafa Nadal, and Lionel Messi.
The Controversy of the Year
After defeating Italy’s Angela Carini in just 46 seconds, Khelif faced cyberbullying and intense online debate. Critics alleged that she competed as a woman despite reportedly having XY chromosomes.
The controversy resurrected discussions from 2023 when Khelif was disqualified from competitions over gender eligibility issues, which she attributed to a hormonal condition.
Weeks after the Olympics, Khelif and her lawyer announced they would take legal action against those questioning her gender identity and sportsmanship.
One of the most notable reactions came from Logan Paul, Jake Paul’s brother, who criticized the Olympic committee for allowing what he called a “man” to compete against women. Although Logan later deleted his post and apologized for spreading misinformation, he maintained his stance against biological men competing in women’s events.
