- Hot gender debate: defeated boxer Carini faces off against Khelif
Defeated Italian Angela Carini expresses her puzzlement over the gender debate surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. "If the IOC thinks she can compete, I respect that decision," said the 25-year-old to "Gazzetta dello Sport". She had tried to ignore the discussion.
"It's certainly made me sad and I feel sorry for the opponent who's just here to fight," said Carini. She lost in the first round by technical knockout in 46 seconds against Khelif. Her opponent was excluded from the 2023 World Championships due to elevated testosterone levels. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) granted her a starting permit for Paris.
Bach: "She is a woman"
IOC President Thomas Bach expressed himself clearly to the news agency Ansa. "She is a woman who has been competing internationally for six years," said the 70-year-old about Khelif and emphasized after a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: "We agreed to stay in touch and clarify and improve the scientific background to make the situation clearer."
Carini initially fueled the debate through her behavior. There was no usual handshake after the end of the fight. However, this was a misunderstanding. "That wasn't an intentional gesture, I apologize to her and everyone. I was angry because the Olympic Games were over for me. I have nothing against Khelif, if I met her again, I would hug her," said Carini.
Meloni fuels debate about Imane Khelif
With her statement that it wasn't fair, she didn't mean Khelif. "That's absolutely not true. It wasn't fair that my dream ended so quickly," said Carini. She had prepared for three years and wanted to compete for a medal. The second punch from Khelif was a shock for her: "I gave up, something wasn't right. It wasn't planned, it was an instinctive decision."
According to Meloni, Khelif should not have been allowed to the Summer Games. "One must be able to compete on equal terms. From my point of view, it wasn't a fair competition," said the 47-year-old. "I think athletes who have male genetic characteristics should not be allowed to compete in women's competitions. Not to discriminate against anyone, but to protect the rights of female athletes to compete on equal terms."
Carini mentioned her opponent Khelif, who was excluded from the 2023 World Championships due to high testosterone levels, but was given a starting permit for the Olympic Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister, expressed her opinion that Khelif shouldn't have been allowed to compete in the women's category due to her perceived male genetic characteristics, arguing for fair competition for female athletes.
