Italian boxer Angela Carini participated in the Paris Olympics in memory of her late father, who died after the Tokyo Games. Her match against Algerian opponent Imane Khelif lasted only 46 seconds before Carini retired due to a spot of blood on her trunks. While Carini clarified that her actions were not politically motivated, the incident reignited discussions about Khelif’s eligibility status after previous disqualifications.
At 25 years old, Carini competes in the 66-kilogram welterweight class and has a successful history in boxing, winning silver medals at the world and European championships in 2019 and a gold medal at the European youth championships. Known as “tiger,” a name given by her father Giuseppe, Carini transitioned from clay pigeon shooting to boxing, following her brother’s footsteps in the sport.
During her brief fight with Khelif, Carini experienced discomfort and pain from the initial punches, leading her to withdraw from the bout. Despite the controversy surrounding Khelif’s participation due to gender eligibility concerns, the IOC reiterated her right to compete, prompting discussions between Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and IOC president Thomas Bach.
In a tearful post-fight statement, Carini expressed her physical strain and emotional turmoil during the match, stating that the decision to retire was due to the intense pain she experienced. Carini conveyed regret for not shaking Khelif’s hand after the fight, emphasizing her respect for the IOC’s decision regarding her opponent’s eligibility.
The incident involving Carini and Khelif has sparked widespread debate beyond Paris, shedding light on the complex intersection of sportsmanship, eligibility criteria, and athlete well-being in competitive boxing.
