The boxing match between Italy’s Angela Carini and Algeria’s Imane Khelif at the Paris Olympics has sparked a massive gender debate. Carini, facing intense blows from Khelif, abandoned the match just 46 seconds after the opening bell, breaking down in the ring. Many, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Elon Musk, and JK Rowling, expressed outrage, especially since Khelif had previously failed a gender eligibility test at the 2023 World Championships. The hashtags “Shame on Olympics” and “#IStandWithAngelaCarini” quickly began trending on X (formerly Twitter).
Carini, visibly distressed and bleeding, said she had never experienced such pain in her career and felt the match was unfair. Khelif advanced to the quarter-finals of the women’s 66kg category, while Carini, refusing to shake Khelif’s hand, collapsed to her knees and sobbed in the ring.
The incident has brought renewed scrutiny on the inclusion of athletes like Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who was also previously disqualified but allowed to compete in Paris. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) defended its decision, stating that both athletes met the current competition eligibility rules despite their past disqualifications by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
Critics argue that allowing athletes with male genetic characteristics in women’s sports compromises fairness and safety. Australia’s Caitlin Parker and other athletes have voiced concerns, emphasizing the dangers in combat sports. Meanwhile, supporters of Khelif and Lin, including officials from Algeria and Taiwan, defended the athletes against what they deemed malicious attacks.
The controversy has highlighted deep divisions in the sports community and beyond, as the debate over gender eligibility in competitive sports continues to evolve.
