Renowned “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling and numerous others reacted after an Olympic boxer with male chromosomes won a match in Paris within 46 seconds on Thursday.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif triumphed over Italy’s Angela Carini, who withdrew from the fight. Carini later stated she was struck hard and unable to continue.
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Angela Carini reacts after abandoning her fight against Imane Khelif at the Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/John Locher)
However, there was a wave of controversy on social media as Khelif faced backlash over gender eligibility issues related to a disqualification in 2023. Users on X criticized the decision to let Khelif compete.
Khelif had been disqualified during the 2023 World Championships, organized by the International Boxing Association, which stated that Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting did not meet gender eligibility criteria.
IBA president Umar Kremlev explained the ruling at that time, according to reports from Russia’s Tass News Agency. It was also reported by Reuters that Khelif had tested positive for elevated testosterone levels.
Imane Khelif, left, competes against Angela Carini at the Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/John Locher)
ITALIAN BOXER SPEAKS OUT AFTER WITHDRAWING FROM OLYMPIC BOUT AGAINST CONTROVERSIAL FIGHTER
“Based on DNA analyses, we identified several athletes who attempted to deceive their peers by posing as women. The results of the tests confirmed they possess XY chromosomes. Such athletes were barred from competing,” Kremlev mentioned.
Khelif and the Algerian Olympic Committee denied these allegations. The International Olympic Committee also authorized Khelif to take part in the Games.
Post-fight, Carini was heard expressing her concerns to her coaches in Italian about the match’s fairness. She later clarified her reasons for abandoning the fight.
“I entered the ring to compete,” she stated, via Italy’s ANSA. “I didn’t quit, but after one punch, I felt enough was enough.”
Imane Khelif engages with a coach at the Olympic Games at North Paris Arena on Aug. 1, 2024. (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
“I’m leaving with my head held high.”
Carini’s coach, Emanuele Renzini, mentioned that quitting the match had not been part of their strategy beforehand.
“It would have been simpler not to participate, as all of Italy was urging her not to fight in the days leading up,” Renzini stated. “However, Angela was determined and eager to compete.”
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“Naturally, when she faced her opponent during the draw, she voiced her concerns about fairness. Yet, there was no prior intention today. She retired after sustaining one punch, telling me she felt unable to continue fighting.”
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