Boxer Angela Carini Apologizes For Quitting Bout Against Imane Khelif At Paris Olympics 2024

Italian boxer Angela Carini has issued a public apology after quitting her bout against Algerian opponent Imane Khelif just 46 seconds into the match at the Paris Olympics. The abrupt end to the fight has sparked online abuse directed at Khelif, a situation Carini has expressed regret over. On Thursday’s light welterweight bout, Khelif, 25, delivered a heavy punch that dislodged Carini’s chinstrap, forcing her to retreat before ultimately dropping to her knees. The Italian boxer did not shake hands with Khelif following her defeat, a move that drew further criticism. Addressing the incident, Carini told Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, “I’m sorry for my opponent. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.” She added, “I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke.” The fight has not only become a flashpoint in discussions about sportsmanship but has also reignited a contentious debate over gender and eligibility in women’s sports. Some spectators questioned Khelif’s participation, citing a 2023 decision by a now-discredited boxing regulator that barred her from a women’s tournament. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has strongly supported her inclusion in the 2024 Games. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams emphasized, “This is not a transgender case,” noting that Khelif was born female, registered female, and has lived her life as a female

Carini’s apology comes amidst a wave of online abuse directed at Khelif, with transphobic commentators falsely labeling her as male and questioning her right to compete. The controversy has drawn the attention of high-profile figures, including former US President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and JK Rowling, who have all weighed in, often spreading misinformation.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, visiting Italian athletes in the Olympic Village, also commented on the match, stating that the competition “wasn’t an equal fight.” Meloni has long opposed allowing athletes with “genetically male” characteristics to compete against women.

Despite the backlash, Khelif remains focused on her Olympic journey. The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) has defended her, decrying the attacks on her dignity and taking measures to ensure her safety as she prepares for her next bout.

Khelif’s situation is highlighted by her disqualification from a gold medal match in March 2023 by the International Boxing Association (IBA), which cited “competitive advantages” without detailing the specific reasons. The IBA, stripped of its official status by the IOC for corruption, did not clarify what tests were used, only stating that the tests did not involve testosterone levels.

The IOC has dismissed the IBA’s disqualification as “arbitrary” and without due process. Adams reiterated the IOC’s stance on inclusion, stating that athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) should only be excluded if there are clear issues of fairness or safety.

This incident has spotlighted the broader issues of sex testing and the policing of women’s bodies in sports. Historically, women athletes have faced invasive and often humiliating sex verification tests, a practice dating back to the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Modern scrutiny of such tests has led to significant changes, with many sports bodies abandoning blanket sex testing in favor of case-by-case evaluations. Prominent cases, such as that of South African runner Caster Semenya, who has higher naturally occurring testosterone levels, continue to challenge the regulations. Semenya has been barred from certain events unless she lowers her testosterone levels and is currently contesting these rules at the European Court of Human Rights.

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