Algerian boxer Imane Khelif electrified the 2024 Paris Olympics by defeating Italy's Angela Carini in 46 seconds in the women's 145lb category amid ongoing gender eligibility debates. After getting a step closer to a Gold medal, she provided a short but sweet statement to the media .
Khelif's Olympic participation has caused widespread discussion online about the fairness and protection of women's sports. Last year, the International Boxing Association [IBA] barred her from the Women's World Championships due to failing gender eligibility criteria before her anticipated gold medal bout in New Delhi.
The 25-year-old boxer tested positive for elevated testosterone levels, which resulted in the cancellation of her match against 2019 AIBA Women's World Boxing medalist Yang Liu. However, the International Olympic Committee [IOC] has its own rules, allowing Khelif to compete.
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An official statement mentioned the decision was based on the latest examination conducted under confidential procedures. Lin Yu-ting, another boxer disqualified along with Khelif, chose not to contest the IBA's ruling. Both athletes have consistently identified as female in all competitions.
The match began with both competitors securing their mandated headgear to prepare for their opponent's potential power. Within the first 30 seconds, Khelif delivered a powerful right-hand jab to Carini's face, eliciting a notable reaction from the audience. Carini called for a timeout and went to her corner, where her coach attempted to adjust her headgear again, which the punch's force dislodged.
Upon briefly continuing, Carini returned to her coaches again, ultimately surrendering with 2:14 remaining in the first round. Following her commanding performance, Khelif emphasized her ambition: "I'm here for the gold—I fight everybody." She shared a photo of her victory on Instagram but restricted comments after previous posts had been met with hostility.
Carini was emotional following the match , in contrast, and gave a teary-eyed post-fight interview in Italian. "I couldn't finish the match. I felt a sharp pain in my nose," Carini said via translation. "I thought, 'For my experience and maturity as a woman, I hope my country won't be disappointed. I hope my father won't be disappointed.' But I stopped. I decided to stop for myself because it could have been the fight of my life, but I needed to protect myself in that moment."
The Italian fighter's path to the Olympics has been marked by struggle and heartbreak . She earned her spot in Paris after succeeding at the Boxing 1st World Qualification Tournament. She dedicated her victory to her late father, who passed away before she could communicate her qualification status.
Khelif's next match is slated for Saturday, Aug. 3. A victory would guarantee her at least a bronze medal, solidifying her status as a formidable contender in women's boxing. As the controversy around her eligibility continues, Khelif remains laser-focused on her quest for Olympic gold.
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