In a dramatic turn of events at the boxing event’s last 16 round, Italian boxer Angela Carini faced Algerian boxer Imane Khelif in a match that lasted only 46 seconds. Carini, visibly shaken, commented post-match, “I have never faced such blows. This event is up to the Olympic panel of judges. I stopped the Olympics competition because I want to save my life.”
The swift conclusion of the match has sparked a worldwide debate about Khelif’s participation in the women’s division due to her naturally high testosterone levels. Khelif, while not transgender, has been a focal point of controversy following her exclusion from last year’s World Championship after failing a testosterone test intended to confirm her gender.
Prominent figures, including author J.K. Rowling and a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, have voiced their concerns on social media platform X, questioning Khelif’s representation in the women’s division. Despite the uproar, the Olympic Committee maintains that Khelif’s condition does not classify her as transgender.
In response to the controversy, Khelif has chosen to remain silent. Having advanced to the semi-finals, she is set to compete against a Hungarian opponent in the next round.
