Paris, France — Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s rapid 46-second victory at the Paris Olympics on August 1, 2024, has ignited a contentious debate over gender eligibility in sports. The controversy was exacerbated when Italian boxer Angela Carini abandoned the match, walking away in tears.
Carini, who failed to finish the bout, cited severe pain from Khelif’s opening punches as her reason for withdrawing. “I felt a severe pain in my nose, and with the maturity of a boxer, I said ‘enough’ because I didn’t want to. I couldn’t finish the match,” Carini explained.
Khelif, who was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships due to an unspecified gender eligibility test, has faced intense scrutiny over her participation in the Paris Games. High-profile figures and political leaders have weighed in on the debate, often with sharp criticisms.
Author J.K. Rowling labeled Khelif as a “male,” accusing her of taking pleasure in the distress of her opponents. Rowling’s remarks have reignited criticism due to her controversial views on transgender issues.
U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump took to Truth Social, vowing to “keep men out of women’s sports,” while his vice-presidential nominee, J.D. Vance, linked Harris’ gender policies to the situation in boxing. Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, condemned the exposure of athletes like Carini to what she termed “physical and psychological violence based on their sex.”
In response, Algerian officials condemned what they described as “malicious and unethical attacks” on Khelif. Nadia Whittome, a British politician, defended Khelif, highlighting the broader issue of transphobia affecting women who defy conventional femininity.
The controversy also extends to Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, who had her bronze medal stripped by the IBA last year due to failed eligibility requirements in a biochemical test. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stated that the gender and age of athletes are based on their passports and defended Khelif and Lin’s eligibility.
Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te publicly supported Lin, while Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni consoled Carini, promising future success and fairness in competition.
Amidst the controversy, Khelif received a warm reception from the Algerian diaspora in Paris. Reflecting on her victory, Khelif remained focused on her goal of securing a medal, stating, “It’s always satisfying to win in such an important competition, but I remain focused on my goal.”