Italian boxer Angela Carini has apologized to Algeria’s Imane Khelief after refusing to shake her hand following their fight in the Olympic boxing tournament. Heliffe eliminated Carini in 46 seconds, after which the Italian left the ring in tears. The world rose to her defense.
The match between Heliffe and Carini caused a storm of comments and criticism. The International Boxing Association (IBA) claims that Heliffe did not meet the norms for women’s participation after a gender test at the 2023 World Championships. The International Olympic Committee said that the IBA test was not carried out according to the regulation and the Algerian meets the requirements set by the IOC, which organizes the Olympic boxing tournament. Helif’s father also produced the birth certificate to prove that the athlete came into this world as a woman.
“All these comments make me sad. I also feel sorry for my rival. As soon as the IOC says that she has the right to fight, I respect their decision,” Carini, who regrets not shaking Helif’s hand, told Gadzeta dello Sport. “I didn’t plan to act like that. I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympic dream evaporated. If I meet her again, I will hug her,” adds the Italian.
At the same time, IBA President Umar Kremlov announced that he would give a $100,000 bonus to Carini and her staff, the amount the organization gives to all gold medalists at the Paris Olympics.
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