In a highly controversial and brief encounter at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Algeria’s Imane Khelif secured a victory over Italy’s Angela Carini in the women’s 66kg boxing category. The match, which lasted only 46 seconds, ended abruptly when Carini decided to quit, citing concerns for her health after a powerful punch from Khelif.

The bout has since ignited a fierce debate, with some fans taking to social media to mock Khelif, making crude remarks about her gender. The comments, which include the accusation that Khelif is “definitely a man,” have sparked outrage and highlighted ongoing issues surrounding gender eligibility in sports.

Angela Carini, reflecting on the match, expressed regret for how events unfolded. Speaking to the Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Carini explained her decision to withdraw from the match, stating, “I preferred to stop for my health.” She mentioned that the punch from Khelif was unlike anything she had ever experienced, leading her to believe that continuing the fight would not be in her best interest.

Carini also took the opportunity to apologize to Khelif for not shaking hands after the match. “It wasn’t something I intended to do… actually, I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke,” she said, adding that if she met Khelif again, she would “embrace her.”

The controversy surrounding Khelif’s participation in the Olympics stems from her previous disqualification from the 2023 World Championships due to gender eligibility criteria. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed her to compete in Paris, a decision defended by IOC spokesperson Mark Adams. “Everyone competing in the women’s category is complying with the competition eligibility rules,” Adams stated, though he acknowledged that the issue is a “minefield” with no simple explanation.

The match and its aftermath have drawn comparisons to other high-profile cases involving athletes with differences in sex development (DSD), such as Caster Semenya. The debate over who should be allowed to compete in women’s sports continues to be a complex and divisive topic, with opinions varying widely across the sports community.

As the discussion rages on, both Khelif and Carini must now focus on their respective futures in the sport. Khelif is set to face Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori in the quarter-finals, while Carini reflects on her Olympic experience and the lessons learned.

This controversy highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring fairness and respect in competitive sports. While the debate over gender eligibility is unlikely to be resolved soon, the focus must remain on upholding the dignity of all athletes and fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect.