Italian boxer Angela Carini has publicly apologized after her controversial decision to quit her Paris 2024 Olympic bout against Algeria’s Imane Khelif just 46 seconds into the fight.
Carini expressed frustration over the abrupt end to her Olympic aspirations and admitted letting her emotions get the best by not shaking hands with Khelif after the match.
“I didn’t mean to act that way. I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was upset because my Olympic dream was shattered,” Carini explained.
Despite the controversy surrounding Khelif’s eligibility, stemming from her disqualification at last year’s Women’s World Championships, Carini expressed respect for the IOC’s decision to allow Khelif to compete.
“This whole situation makes me sad,” Carini told Gazzetta dello Sport. “I also feel sorry for my opponent. If the IOC says she can compete, I accept that decision.”
Defending her actions to stop the fight early, the 25-year-old boxer emphasized the importance of self-preservation, stating, “It could have been the fight of my life, but in that moment, I had to prioritize my safety.”
While the International Boxing Association (IBA) confirmed Khelif did not meet initial eligibility criteria, the IOC maintained its stance on allowing her participation.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams clarified, “She was born female, registered female, lived as a female, boxed as a female, and holds a female passport.”
Carini’s apology highlights the emotional intensity and sportsmanship challenges that can arise in high-stakes athletic competitions, reflecting her regret over the incident at the Paris Olympics.
