The Italian boxer who pulled out of a controversial fight after just 46 seconds will receive Olympic Champion prize money.
Much talk has surrounded the fight with Algerian athlete, Imane Khelif and Italy’s Angela Carini.
The Italian athlete left the ring after just 46 seconds, with a suspected broken nose, following a contentious match.
The Algerian athlete, who was born and raised as a girl, was banned from competing in a gold medal match in Delhi by the International Boxing Association after failing a gender eligibility test but has been allowed to fight at the 2024 Olympics.
Prior to the match, the Algerian Olympic Committee defended their boxer, issuing a statement condemning the criticism she faced.
The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) stated, “COA strongly condemns the unethical targeting and maligning of our esteemed athlete, Imane Khelif, with baseless propaganda from certain foreign media outlets. Such attacks on her personality and dignity are deeply unfair, especially as she prepares for the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics. The COA has taken all necessary measures to protect our champion.”
In response to Carini quitting after less than 1 minute, the IBA has decided to award her prize money which they usually save for Olympic champions.
The Association announced earlier in the year that all Olympic champions and medalists would be awarded prize money to support them, with Gold medalists to get $100,000 (£78,100), with $50,000 (£39,000) to go directly to the athletes and $25,000 (£19,500) to their federation leaving $25,000 to their coaches.
It goes down to $50,000 for silver and $25,000 for bronze winners.
Losing athletes who come fifth will get $10,000 (£7,800) from the Association.
Khelif’s father, Omar Khelif, has since spoken out in defence of his daughter:
“My child is a girl. She was raised as a girl. She’s a strong girl. I raised her to be hard-working and brave. She has a strong will to work and to train,”
“The Italian opponent she faced was unable to defeat my daughter because my daughter was stronger and she was softer.”
The IOC have also released a statement following the online abuse:
“Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination.
“Eligibility rules should not be changed during an ongoing competition, and any rule change must follow appropriate processes and be based on scientific evidence.
“The IOC is committed to protecting the human rights of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games in accordance with the Olympic Charter, the IOC Code of Ethics, and the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights.
“The IOC is saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving.”
