The Paris Olympics has yet again produced a moment of sheer controversy as gender identity becomes a turning point in women’s boxing.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif defeated Italy’s Angela Carini in just 46 seconds during their welterweight bout at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The clash, which ended in controversy, has reignited discussions about gender identity and fairness in sports.

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Khelif, who was previously banned from the 2023 World Boxing Championships after failing testosterone tests, competed in the women’s division following a ruling by Olympic officials that allowed her to participate.

Khelif’s inclusion has been contentious due to her biological sex, with critics arguing that her participation against Carini—a biologically female athlete—raised significant fairness concerns.

The match was notably brief. Carini, visibly distressed, threw her helmet to the ground and collapsed to her knees after receiving only two punches from Khelif.

In a tearful statement post-match, Carini described the blows as unexpectedly painful and said she could not continue due to the severity of her injuries.

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«I’ve never taken a punch like that. I didn’t feel I could fight anymore after the first minute. It was a decision made in the ring, not a protest against my opponent,» she lamented.

Carini’s coach expressed concern over her wellbeing, noting that Carini had been advised by many to avoid the match due to perceived dangers.

Despite this, Carini’s focus was on her performance rather than any protest. She emphasized, «I entered the ring to fight for my dream, but it didn’t happen this time.»

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has faced backlash for its decision to permit Khelif’s participation.

IOC spokesperson Mark Adams defended the decision, stating that Khelif met all eligibility criteria and complied with competition regulations.

“All athletes competing in the women’s category are following the established rules,” Adams affirmed.

The match has drawn criticism from various quarters.

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Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss and Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies have voiced strong opposition, with Davies describing the situation as a «disgrace» and Truss criticizing the IOC’s policies.

In response to the controversy, Khelif expressed satisfaction with «her» performance, stating, «This victory is a step towards my ultimate goal. I am grateful for the opportunity to compete.»

The Paris 2024 Olympics will face increased scrutiny over how it is managing gender identity issues in sports, with ongoing discussions about fairness and safety in competitive environments.

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