Angela Carini of Italy expressed her disappointment with the ongoing controversy in Olympic women’s boxing after her swift defeat in the opening round. Carini was knocked out in 46 seconds by Algeria’s Imane Khelif, who has been the subject of uncomfortable questions and speculation about her gender and medical status.
Carini shared her thoughts with the Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, expressing sympathy for Khelif amidst the controversy. “All this controversy certainly made me sad, and I also felt sorry for my opponent; she had nothing to do with it and like me was only here to fight,” she stated.
The Italian boxer clarified that her refusal to shake Khelif’s hand was not a statement against her opponent but rather a reaction to her own disappointment. “It was not intentional, in fact, I apologize to her and to everyone,” Carini explained. “I was angry because my Games had already gone up in smoke. I have nothing against Khelif, and if I happened to meet her again, I would give her a hug.”
The debate has intensified since the International Boxing Association (IBA) disclosed that tests found Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting had advantages over other women, without specifying the tests used. The IOC, however, has confirmed that both athletes were properly cleared to compete using passports and medical clearances.
IOC spokesman Mark Adams addressed the issue, stating, “The question you have to ask yourself is: ‘Are these athletes women?’ The answer is yes, according to eligibility, according to their passports, according to their history.”
Carini, who initially did not object to fighting Khelif, avoided commenting on whether she felt manipulated by the controversy. She emphasized her Olympic aspirations, saying, “I imagine that many people supported me because like me they believed in my Olympic dream, in my desire to win a medal for Dad, who is no longer with us. That’s all.”
The controversy remains a significant backdrop as Lin Yu-ting, the top-seeded fighter in the 57-kilogram division, advanced past Sitora Turdibekova of Uzbekistan with a straightforward victory. Despite the swirling debates, the Olympic boxing tournaments continue with athletes like Khelif and Lin preparing for their upcoming matches.