Olympic scandal: boxer Imane Khelif caused the cancellation of the fight with her opponent
2 august 2024 в 04:37
Boxer Iman Helif caused controversy at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris not only because she did not pass gender tests back in 2023, but also because she forced her opponent Angela Carini to withdraw from the match just a few seconds into the first round.
The 25-year-old woman reportedly has XY chromosomes, which are typically found in males, and she has elevated levels of testosterone. Despite not passing the gender tests, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed her to compete in accordance with the rules of the game.
They stated before the start of the games: «All athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games comply with the rules of participation and entry into the competition, as well as all applicable medical rules».
Mark Adams, an official IOC representative, added: «All participants in the women’s category comply with the rules of participation in the competition… They are women according to their passports, and it is stated that this is the case».
During their fight in the ring on Thursday, August 1, Helif’s Algerian opponent retreated after just 46 seconds into the first round. After receiving two strong blows to her face, Angela cried out in pain and injured her nose. After the match, she shared with journalists: «I am used to suffering… I have never received such blows, it is impossible to continue. I am nobody to say that this is illegal».
She told BBC Sports: «I couldn’t finish the match. I felt intense pain in my nose and told myself, considering my experience and maturity as a woman, I hope my nation does not take this badly, I hope my father does not take this badly — but I stopped, I said stop for myself».
Italian fans warned Angela about the fight with Iman. Her coach Emanuele Rezini, however, shouted: «This is a man». According to her coach and Angela herself, their collision was «unfair». Despite her refusal, Helif remained determined and told journalists: «I am here for the gold — I beat everyone»
The 25-year-old woman reportedly has XY chromosomes, which are typically found in males, and she has elevated levels of testosterone. Despite not passing the gender tests, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed her to compete in accordance with the rules of the game.
They stated before the start of the games: «All athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games comply with the rules of participation and entry into the competition, as well as all applicable medical rules».
Mark Adams, an official IOC representative, added: «All participants in the women’s category comply with the rules of participation in the competition… They are women according to their passports, and it is stated that this is the case».
During their fight in the ring on Thursday, August 1, Helif’s Algerian opponent retreated after just 46 seconds into the first round. After receiving two strong blows to her face, Angela cried out in pain and injured her nose. After the match, she shared with journalists: «I am used to suffering… I have never received such blows, it is impossible to continue. I am nobody to say that this is illegal».
She told BBC Sports: «I couldn’t finish the match. I felt intense pain in my nose and told myself, considering my experience and maturity as a woman, I hope my nation does not take this badly, I hope my father does not take this badly — but I stopped, I said stop for myself».
Italian fans warned Angela about the fight with Iman. Her coach Emanuele Rezini, however, shouted: «This is a man». According to her coach and Angela herself, their collision was «unfair». Despite her refusal, Helif remained determined and told journalists: «I am here for the gold — I beat everyone»
© Kolganov Andrey
