Imane Khelif is an Algerian boxer confirmed to have male chromosomes, but that, of course, did not stop anybody from discontinuing the fight between her and Italy’s Angela Carini. Carini, who was drafted to fight in the 66-kilogram women’s division at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, stepped up to battle Khelif, knowing what she did about her.
However, it took only one punch for Carini to throw in the towel. The topic of transgenders participating in women’s sports has been greatly debated throughout most of this year. After this year’s Olympics, it will most likely become an even more polarizing topic.
Imane Khelif Vs Angela Carini: A Fight that Lasted Seconds
Imane Khelif faced Italy’s Angela Carini on Thursday, but Carini abandoned the match. Their battle lasted about 46 seconds before Carini had her cornermen call off the fight.
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Despite the unusual nature of the win, Khelif went on to celebrate the win while Carini broke down in tears. After the fight, Carini could be heard yelling at her coaches in Italian, questioning the fairness of it all.
Afterward, Carini opened up about why she threw in the towel during the match and why it didn’t take her up to a minute to decide to.
What Angela Carini Said About Facing Imane Khelif
Imane Khelif was born with XY chromosomes, but that was not enough for the Olympic authorities to restrict her from participating. Carini also thought she could tough it out. “I got into the ring to fight,” she said. I didn’t give up, but one punch hurt too much, and so I said enough. I’m going out with my head held high.”
Carini’s coach, Emanuele Renzini, also added that quitting the match was not part of the plan ahead of time. Renzini said, “It would have been easier not to show up because all of Italy had been asking her not to fight for days. But Angela was motivated and wanted to do it.”
“Of course, when she met her opponent at the draw, she said, ‘It’s not fair.’ But there was no premeditation here today,” he said. “She quit after taking one punch; she told me she didn’t feel she could fight.”
Imane Khelif’s Struggle To Participate in the Olympics
Khelif had her fair share of controversy last year because of a failed gender eligibility test, but it is clear there is more in store for her this year. She was disqualified during the 2023 World Championships in a sanction by the International Boxing Association.
According to the organization, Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting failed to meet gender eligibility standards. IBA president Umar Kremlev explained the decision at the time. Reuters reported at the time that Khelif’s test results showed high levels of testosterone.
“Based on DNA tests, we identified a number of athletes who tried to trick their colleagues into posing as women. According to the results of the tests, it was proved that they have XY chromosomes. Such athletes were excluded from competition,” Kremlev said.
Khelif and the Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) both denied the claims. The International Olympic Committee also gave Khelif the go-ahead to compete in the Games.
“Everyone competing in the women’s category is complying with the competition eligibility rules,” IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said. “They are women in their passports and it’s stated that this is the case, that they are female.”
The Truth About Imane Khelif’s Condition
Naturally, Thursday’s events have sparked a lot of backlash; however, the COA has called most of the claims “baseless.”
“COA strongly condemns the unethical targeting and maligning of our esteemed athlete, Imane Khelif, with baseless propaganda from certain foreign media outlets,” the committee said via Reuters.
“Such attacks on her personality and dignity are deeply unfair, especially as she prepares for the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics. The COA has taken all necessary measures to protect our champion.”
Rosario Coco, the president of Gaynet Communications in Italy, reportedly said that he learned Khelif was intersex and not trans gender. “In contrast to the reports that have been circulating, the Algerian athlete Imane Khelif is not a trans woman,” Coco said.
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“From the information we have about her, she is an intersex person who has always socialized as a woman and has a sporting history in women’s competitions.”
Can Imane Khelif Give Birth?
Imane Khelif’s chromosome test says she was male at birth, and this means that she can not give birth. Women like Khelif are usually called trans women—people assigned male at birth who identify as female—and they cannot become pregnant or give birth, as they do not have a uterus or ovaries.
However, reports say she is intersex and not trans. If that is true, then there is a chance Imane Khelif can give birth. Many intersex people can get pregnant. However, it depends on their body parts, and they sometimes need the help of technology.
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