When Italian female boxer Angela Carini shouted, “This is unjust,” Olympic fans were shocked. She fell to her knees in tears and surrendered her fight after 46 seconds of boxing Algeria’s Imane Khelif, a biological male. Carini quit the fight after receiving two punches in 46 seconds.
Carini’s Reaction to Defeat
Carini, 25 years old, would not shake Khelif’s hand following her defeat.
Khelif’s Previous Ban
Khelif had been previously banned from boxing world championship competitions before the Olympics due to hormone-level markers establishing gender qualification.
International Boxing Association’s Stance
The President of the International Boxing Association said earlier this year that a test had revealed that several athletes were presenting themselves as women despite having proven XY chromosomes. Some competitions have excluded these athletes, but the Olympic Committee has allowed their participation in their preferred categories.
Carini’s Experience in the Match
Carini, an Italian police officer, told reporters following her loss that she had never experienced such powerful blows as those in the first seconds of her match with Khelif.
Carini’s Statement on Her Performance
She said, “I’m used to suffering. I’ve never taken a punch like that; it’s impossible to continue. I’m nobody to say it’s illegal. I got into the ring to fight. But I didn’t feel like it anymore after the first minute. I started to feel a strong pain in my nose. I didn’t give up, but a punch hurt too much, so I said enough. I’m leaving with my head held high.”
Clarification on Carini’s Decision
Carini has stated she did not leave the event in protest over the ability of Olympians to compete in categories that align with their gender expression rather than the sex assigned at birth.
Carini’s Warrior Mindset
She said, “I am a fighter. My father taught me to be a warrior. When I am in the ring, I use the mindset of a warrior, a winning mindset. This time, I couldn’t make it. You all saw my nose, which started bleeding. I didn’t lose tonight; I just surrendered with maturity.”
Carini’s Attitude Toward Khelif
Carini does not wish ill on Khelif, saying, “I wish her to carry on until the end and that she can be happy. I am someone who doesn’t judge anyone. I am not here to give judgments.”
Carini’s Coach’s Concerns
Carini’s coach spoke to the media, saying, “Many people in Italy tried to call and tell her: ‘Don’t go, please: it’s a man, it’s dangerous for you.'”
Algerian Boxing Federation’s Celebration
World leaders have responded widely to the incident. The Algerian Boxing Federation celebrated Khelif’s win, writing on social media accounts, “Congratulations to the Algerian boxer Iman Khalif, who responds strongly in the ring and qualifies for the quarterfinals after defeating the Italian Angelina Carini in less than 46 seconds, effortlessly.”
International Response
Other world leaders are not as enthused about the match’s outcome. Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Liz Truss wrote on X, “When will this madness stop? Men cannot become women. Why is the British Government not objecting to this?”
Sharron Davies’ Criticism
Famed British Olympic Swimming legend Sharron Davies said, “This is shocking. The IOC is a bloody disgrace. In effect, it was legalizing beating up females. This must stop!! What the hell’s the matter with them?”
JK Rowling’s Comments
JK Rowling, a known critic of transgender activism, called the matchup “insanity,” saying, “What will it take to end this insanity? A female boxer left with life-altering injuries? Was a female boxer killed? Watch this, then explain why you’re OK with a man beating a woman in public for your entertainment.”
Rowling’s Criticism of the IOC
She continued, “This isn’t sport. From the bullying cheat in red up to the organizers who allowed this to happen, this is men reveling in their power over women.”
