Angela Carini, an Italian boxer, cried after leaving her fight. She faced Imane Khelif from Algeria. The fight lasted only 46 seconds. This event caused a big stir at the Olympics.
Imane Khelif was allowed to fight despite failing gender tests last year. At the North Paris Arena, Khelif’s first punch hit Carini’s chinstrap. A second punch hit her chin and bloodied her shorts. Carini returned to her corner. She raised her hand and fell to her knees crying. She did not shake Khelif’s hand after the fight.
Carini said she stopped because of the hard punches. She feared her nose was broken. “I am heartbroken,” Carini said. “I went to honor my father. I was called a warrior. But I stopped for my health. I never felt a punch like this.”
Carini Ends Fight, Focuses on Safety
The 25-year-old from Naples said, “I didn’t give up. But one punch hurt too much. I said enough. I’m leaving with my head high. I felt strong pain in my nose. I couldn’t finish the fight. So I ended it.”
“I am in pieces. I am a fighter. I learned to be a warrior. I tried to be honorable. I always represented my country with pride. This time I couldn’t fight anymore. I just wanted to win. I wanted to fight.”
Asked if she should have pulled out earlier, Carini said, “I don’t give in easily. Even if they said not to fight, I would not accept. I have a warrior’s mentality. I felt too much pain. I said enough.”
“For me, entering the ring means winning. I’m not here to judge. I did my job. I left with my head high. I am mature. When I can’t continue, I say enough. I was sure I would win. But the punches hurt. I said enough.”
Carini did not judge if Imane Khelif should be barred. “I did my job.”
Imane Khelif Vows to Fight for Gold Amidst Growing Controversy
Imane Khelif spoke to the media:
“I am here for gold. I will fight anyone.”
Reem Alsalem, a UN official, said Carini did the right thing. “She protected her safety,” she tweeted. Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s prime minister, said, “Athletes with male genes should not compete in women’s sports. It was not a fair fight.”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) faced criticism for allowing Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting to compete. Both were banned last year for having XY chromosomes. The IOC stated they followed rules and competed for years.
The IOC blamed the International Boxing Association (IBA) for changing rules. They said the attacks on the athletes were unfair. Concerns grew in the sports world. Caitlin Parker, an Australian boxer, expressed her worries about safety.
Khelif claimed a “big conspiracy” after her disqualification last year. The Algerian Olympic Committee defended her, calling the attacks unfair. Luca Anna Hamori, set to fight Khelif next, said she was ready. “I trust my coaches and myself.”
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