Angela Carini wins title months after Olympic withdrawal against Imane Khelif, who failed sex eligibility test
Italian boxer Angela Carini made a triumphant comeback on Sunday, clinching her eighth national title after a controversial incident at the Paris Olympics. Carini had to withdraw from her bout against Algeria’s Imane Khelif in Paris after sustaining powerful blows to the head. The inclusion of Khelif, whose gender eligibility had been questioned, caused a major uproar at the games.
Despite the setback in Paris, Carini was determined to make a statement in her latest match. “Tonight was my revenge,” she declared to reporters after her victory. The 26-year-old athlete felt vindicated after facing off against Khelif once again, this time emerging victorious.
Khelif’s participation in the Olympics had sparked controversy due to her failed gender eligibility tests. The International Boxing Association (IBA) President revealed that Khelif had “XY chromosomes,” typically associated with biological males. This revelation led to Khelif’s disqualification from the 2023 IBA World Championships.
Carini’s decision to withdraw from the Paris bout was a difficult one, as she had trained rigorously for the competition. “I got into the ring to fight. I didn’t give up, but one punch hurt too much. And, so, I said ‘enough,'” she explained. The boxer’s main goal was to win a medal in honor of her late father, making the withdrawal even more disappointing.
In a surprising turn of events, Khelif went on to win gold at the Paris Olympics, despite the controversy surrounding her gender eligibility. Another boxer, Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, also claimed gold in a different weight class, further fueling the outrage.
The International Olympics Committee (IOC) faced criticism for defending Khelif and Yu-ting’s participation in the women’s events. Khelif even filed a lawsuit against individuals like Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling for alleged cyber harassment related to her gender status. The Algerian athlete threatened further legal action against a French journalist who reported on her alleged biological traits.
Despite the tension surrounding the Paris incident, Carini expressed remorse for the negative attention brought upon Khelif. “All this controversy makes me sad. I’m sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision,” she stated. Carini even apologized to Khelif for her post-fight behavior, acknowledging that her emotions had gotten the best of her.
With her latest victory, Carini feels a sense of closure and redemption. She hopes to move past the Paris controversy and focus on her future in boxing. The Italian boxer’s resilience and sportsmanship serve as a testament to her dedication to the sport.
