Italian boxer Angela Carini, who withdrew from a controversial Olympic fight after 46 seconds, will receive Olympic champion prize money. Carini’s opponent, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, won the bout but faced controversy over her eligibility due to elevated testosterone levels. Despite Khelif’s victory, the International Boxing Association (IBA) decided to award Carini the prize money, recognizing her distress and the situation’s complexity.
Carini left the fight against Khelif shortly after it began, feeling overwhelmed by the powerful punches. This fight drew attention because Khelif had failed a gender eligibility test at the 2023 World Championships but was allowed to compete in the Olympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC’s decision was based on their regulations, emphasizing non-discrimination in sports.
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The IBA’s president, Umar Kremlev, expressed empathy for Carini and criticized the handling of gender eligibility in women’s boxing. He announced that Carini would receive the champion’s prize money, part of the IBA’s initiative to support Olympic athletes. Carini, despite her initial anger, later expressed sadness over the backlash against Khelif and respected the IOC’s decision.
This decision highlights ongoing debates about gender eligibility in sports and the efforts to ensure fairness and support for all athletes. The IOC reaffirmed that all participants comply with eligibility and medical regulations, promoting inclusivity and the right to compete without discrimination.
