The sports community and social media were stirred after Angela Carini was eliminated after 46 seconds in her welterweight round of 16 bout against Algeria’s Iman Khalif at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, August 1. Although Karini said she did not consider the bout a forfeit, many believe the decision was made due to Khalif’s previous record of failing the gender eligibility test at the 2023 World Championships.
Controversy erupted once again at the Paris Olympics when Carini returned to the ring after a 30-second discussion with his coach and refused to continue the bout against Khalif.
Angela Carini abandons her fight against Imane Khelif, a biological male, just a few minutes into the match.
— Clown World ™ ? (@ClownWorld_) August 1, 2024
Ban men from competing in women's sports! pic.twitter.com/GLVBgJycvF
Carini also revealed that Khalif's punches were the hardest he had faced in his entire career. He also injured his chinstrap from one of Carini's punches in the opening round of the bout, leaving his shorts soaked in blood. Eventually, Carini was seen shedding tears sitting in the middle of the ring after being declared out of the bout.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) went against the IBA's decision and allowed Khalifa to participate in the Games. Angela Carini stood by her decision and walked out of the ring just 40 seconds after the opening bell. Angela Carini said she had taken this decision due to a nose injury, but the incident has received mixed reactions on social media.
Men don't belong in women's sports #IStandWithAngelaCarini
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) August 1, 2024
Let's get it trending ? pic.twitter.com/ljlJJwE0hM
The defeat shattered Angela Carini's Olympic dream, but the Italian player did express her opinion on the much-discussed issue of Khalifa.
“I have never been hit so hard in my life. It’s up to the IOC to judge.”
— Pete Badel (@badel_cmail) August 1, 2024
Italy’s Angela Carini after lasting just 46 seconds against Algeria’s intersex athlete Imane Khelif.
Biological firestorm at Paris Olympics. pic.twitter.com/BQRTF9Dc3m
Also Read: Indian schedule for Day 7 (August 2) of Paris Olympics 2024
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