Angela Carini made headlines on Thursday after pulling out of an Olympic boxing match after just 46 seconds.
The Italian boxer was fighting Algerian Imane Khelif and opted to bow out after taking a couple of hits, suggesting that the playing field was not level as the latter was a man.
The decision has sparked massive controversy, with Khelif getting on the receiving end of hateful comments and accusations of having an unfair advantage as a man competing in a woman’s sport. However, it has since been revealed that the Algerian was born a woman.
Carini, who was interviewed by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, claimed to regret the controversy while offering an apology to Khelif, insisting she respects the International Olympic Committee’s decision to allow her to fight.
“All this controversy makes me sad,” she said (H/T BBC). “I’m sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.”
The IOC has also put out a statement defending its decision to have Khelif registered as a competitor in this year’s games, although she was disqualified from the World Championships last year due to high levels of testosterone showing up in her tests.
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Angela Carini Also Apologized For Refusing To shake Imane Khelif’s Hand
Angela Carini has also apologized for refusing to shake Imane Khelif’s hand, admitting she was angry over her Olympic dream ending as prematurely as it did.
“It wasn’t something I intended to do,” she added. “Actually, I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke.”
Of course, the apology comes a little too late, as Khelif has had to endure rife criticism despite being from a country that does not permit transgender operations and competing as a woman her entire career.
