1-8-2024 (PARIS) Algerian boxer Imane Khelif secured a victory over Italian opponent Angela Carini in a mere 46 seconds at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The match, which ended abruptly due to Carini’s withdrawal citing severe nose pain, has sparked intense discussions about fairness and inclusivity in Olympic competitions.
Khelif, who faced disqualification from the 2023 World Championships due to elevated testosterone levels, dominated the ring with powerful punches that forced Carini to retreat. The Italian boxer later explained her decision to abandon the fight, stating, “I went into the ring to fight. I didn’t give up, but a punch hurt too much and so I said enough.”
The swift conclusion to the match has prompted Italian officials, including Sports Minister Andrea Abodi and Family Minister Eugenia Roccella, to voice concerns about the fairness of the competition. Abodi emphasised the need for consistent hormonal regulations across all sporting events to ensure equitable competition and athlete safety.
“In the event that represents the highest values of sport, the safety of female and male athletes must be guaranteed, as well as respect for fair competition,” Abodi remarked, highlighting the delicate balance between inclusivity and competitive integrity.
Despite the defeat, Carini remained resolute, viewing her participation as a triumph in itself. “For me, it’s not a defeat. For me, when you climb those ropes, you’re already a warrior, you’re already a winner,” she declared, embodying the Olympic spirit of perseverance and courage.
The controversy surrounding Khelif’s participation stems from her previous disqualification by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for not meeting their eligibility criteria for female athletes. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) permitted Khelif to compete in Paris, asserting that she satisfied their established criteria.
The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) has staunchly defended Khelif, condemning what they describe as “malicious and unethical attacks” from foreign media. They argue that Khelif’s elevated testosterone levels are due to medical reasons and have labelled her World Championships disqualification a “conspiracy.”
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams addressed the contentious issue, calling for a reduction in heated rhetoric and emphasising that Khelif met the IOC’s eligibility criteria, which have remained consistent since the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics. “Everyone competing in the women’s category… is complying with competition eligibility rules. They are women in their passports and it’s stated in there that they are female,” Adams clarified.
