Italian boxer Angela Carini burst into tears after leaving her match against Algerian Imane Khelif. The match was over in 46 seconds, but it sparked so much controversy online and at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
That's because Khelif is one of two boxers allowed to compete in the Olympics, despite being disqualified from last year's women's world championships after failing testosterone and gender appropriateness tests. Some people labeled her as "transgender", saying that it is biologically unfair for Angela and Imane to compete in the same ring.
In the match in question, Angela is seen taking two hard punches and then returns to her corner, raising her hand to show that she has surrendered. She fell to her knees crying and refused to shake her opponent's hand after being declared the winner.
Carini said he withdrew from the race after taking the hardest hit ever and fearing a broken nose. "I am heartbroken. I went to the ring to pay my respects to him. I have never felt a punch like this", said Carini, adding:
"After the second punch, after years of experience, I felt a sharp pain in my nose. I said "enough", because I didn't want anymore. I couldn't finish the match after the punch in the nose, so it was better to end it."
She said that she felt torn, because she was a fighter and that's how she was taught.
"I have always represented my country faithfully. This time, I didn't make it because I couldn't fight anymore. Regardless of the person in front of me, or the circumstances, I just wanted to win. I wanted to face the person in front of me and fight. For me it is not a loss. To me, if you get in the ring, you've won, regardless of everything else. I'm not here to judge. It is not for me to say whether it is fair or unfair. I did my job and left with my head held high. I am a mature woman; when I feel that I cannot continue, I do not give up, I have the dignity to say "enough". I was convinced that I would win, I was focused and calm. But these blows to the nose hurt."
While Khelif himself spoke briefly, saying:
"I'm here for the gold", referring to the gold medal. "I will fight anyone, I will fight everyone".
There were many reactions to the match, on the network and from public figures. Reem Alsalem, UN special rapporteur on violence against girls and women, expressed her concern, saying: “Angela Carini, rightly, followed her instincts and prioritized her physical safety. But she and other female athletes should not be exposed to this physical and psychological violence, based on their gender," she said in X.
The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, said: "I think that athletes who have male genetic characteristics should not be accepted in women's competitions. From my point of view, it's not an equal race."
The Olympic Committee was criticized for allowing Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting (Taiwan) to compete in the women's category. They failed the testosterone and gender suitability tests. Khelif was disqualified from the World Championships in New Delhi hours before the gold medal match after failing to meet the International Boxing Association (IBA) eligibility criteria.
Meanwhile, Lin Yu-ting will face Sitora Turdibekova (Uzbekistan) in the competition up to 57kg.
The Olympic Committee has responded to the criticism, saying that as long as the athletes are women in their passports. While the Olympic Committee of Algeria (COA) condemned the "baseless" attacks on Khelif.
“COA strongly condemns the unethical targeting and misuse of our esteemed athlete, Imane Khelif, with baseless propaganda by some foreign media. Such attacks on her personality and dignity are deeply unfair, especially as she prepares for the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics. COA has taken all necessary measures to protect our champion", they said in a statement.
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