Algerian boxer Imane Khelif secured a stunning victory in the women’s -66kg boxing category at the Paris 2024 Olympics, defeating Italian boxer Angela Carini after just 46 seconds. Carini retired after being struck twice in the face, citing intense pain as the reason for her withdrawal.
The bout ended unexpectedly when Carini, after enduring two solid punches to her face, appeared disoriented as her chin strap was knocked loose, forcing her to retreat to her corner. Despite returning to the ring briefly, she decided to forfeit the match, giving Khelif a swift win. Carini knelt in the center of the ring, visibly upset and in tears, saying, “I came here to fight,” she told Italy’s ANSA news agency. “I didn’t give up, but after a punch that hurt too much, I felt that was enough.”
Before the match, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) raised concerns with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding Khelif’s eligibility to compete. The Algerian boxer’s participation has been under scrutiny since she was disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Boxing Championships. Shortly before her championship final, Khelif was informed that her testosterone levels were above the permissible limits, leading to her disqualification. The International Boxing Association (IBA) conducted a DNA test and discovered that Khelif possesses XY chromosomes, which fueled the controversy surrounding her gender eligibility.
The Algerian Olympic Committee refuted the claims, calling them a conspiracy to prevent them from winning a gold medal. They explained that Khelif’s elevated testosterone levels were due to medical factors.
Another boxer, Lin Yu-Ting from Taiwan, competing in the women’s -57kg category, faced disqualification from the same tournament for similar reasons.
The IBA, however, is prohibited from organizing boxing matches at the Paris 2024 Olympics, leading to the formation of the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU) by the IOC as a replacement. The PBU has implemented more lenient rules than the IBA, allowing both Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics. As a result, the IBA has criticized the IOC, suggesting that the differing regulations raise questions about the fairness of the competition and the safety of the athletes.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams criticized false reporting and condemned unwarranted attacks on both athletes, emphasizing that neither of them is transgender. He also highlighted that the IOC has adhered to consistent rules applied in the last two Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, Italy’s Ministry of Sports criticized the lack of international consensus on hormone regulations, noting inconsistencies across European, World, and Olympic competitions. Italy’s Minister of Family and Equality, Eugenia Roccella, took it further by accusing Khelif and Yu-Ting of being transgender athletes.
This controversy has sparked a broader debate on gender eligibility and the standards that international sporting organizations must uphold to ensure fair competition and athlete safety. As the Paris 2024 Olympics progress, these issues continue to provoke discussion among athletes, officials, and fans alike, reflecting the evolving nature of sports in the modern era.
