Summary of the Story:
- Italian boxer Angela Carini abandoned her bout against Algerian Imane Khelif after 46 seconds.
- Khelif was previously disqualified from the women’s world championships due to failing testosterone and gender eligibility tests.
- Carini stated she stopped the fight for her health after being hit harder than ever before.
Italian boxer Angela Carini abandoned her Olympic bout against Algerian Imane Khelif after 46 seconds, sparking controversy and criticism.
Angela Carini abandons Olympic dream: Here’s what she said
Angela Carini broke down in tears after halting her fight against Imane Khelif at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The bout ended just 46 seconds in, with Carini citing health concerns after receiving two powerful punches from Khelif.
Carini explained:
“I went to the ring to honour my father. I was told a lot of times that I was a warrior but I preferred to stop for my health. I have never felt a punch like this.”
Carini described the experience as unlike any other she had faced, stating that the punches left her in severe pain.
“After the second punch, after years of experience, I felt a strong pain in the nose. I said enough because I didn’t want to continue,” she added.
Despite the defeat, Carini expressed pride in her decision to prioritise her health, saying:
“I’m going out with my head held high.”
How Imane Khelif reacted to the Angela Carini fight
After the brief bout, Imane Khelif spoke briefly to the BBC, expressing her determination to win gold.
“I am here for gold,” Khelif declared.
“I will fight anybody, I will fight them all.”
Khelif’s participation in the Olympics has been controversial due to her disqualification from the women’s world championships last year for failing testosterone and gender eligibility tests.
How Imane Khelif qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics
Imane Khelif’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics has been fraught with controversy.
She was disqualified from the 2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships due to high testosterone levels.
Despite this, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) cleared her to compete in the Paris Olympics, confirming that she complied with all necessary eligibility and medical regulations.
The specifics of these eligibility rules remain confidential.
Khelif’s participation has drawn criticism, with some questioning the fairness of her competing against other female athletes.
Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni both expressed concern over the situation. Meloni state:
“I think that athletes who have male genetic characteristics should not be admitted to women’s competitions. It’s about protecting the right of female athletes to compete on equal terms.”
Despite the controversy, Khelif remains focused on her goal of winning Olympic gold