The Paris Olympics have been overshadowed by controversy following a dramatic boxing match that ended in tears for Italian fighter Angela Carini.
Angela Carini, a 25-year-old welterweight from Naples, was forced to withdraw from her bout against Algerian opponent Imane Khelif just 46 seconds into the fight. The match, held at the North Paris Arena, was halted after Carini suffered a severe injury, which was exacerbated by her headgear coming loose twice during the brief encounter. A punch to the nose left Carini with a broken nose and significant pain, leading her to abandon the fight.
In an emotional statement after the match, Carini expressed her heartbreak: “I am devastated. I stepped into the ring to honor my father and was ready to fight, but the pain from the punches was overwhelming. I’ve never experienced such intense pain before.” Known for her fierce determination, Carini explained that despite her resolve, the injury was too much to bear. “After the second punch, the pain was unbearable, and I had no choice but to stop. I’m leaving with my head held high,” she added.
The controversy surrounding the fight was amplified by Khelif’s contentious background. Khelif had been disqualified from the women’s world championships last year for failing testosterone and gender eligibility tests, yet was controversially allowed to compete in the Olympics.
This decision has sparked a debate about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Support for Carini surged on social media, with the hashtag #IStandWithAngelaCarini trending as many criticized the perceived unfairness of the match. Prominent figures such as Riley Gaines expressed their disapproval, asserting, “Men don’t belong in women’s sports.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also weighed in, stating, “Athletes with male genetic characteristics should not be admitted to women’s competitions. This is not about discrimination but about ensuring female athletes can compete on an equal footing.”
Khelif, in a brief interview with the BBC, remained determined, saying, “I am here for gold. I will fight anyone, I will fight them all.”
