Official announcements from the IOC

IOC Faces Backlash as Imane Khelif Defeats Angela Carini in 46 Seconds at Paris 2024 Olympics

Aug 1, 2024, 10:05 AM

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is facing significant backlash for allowing two boxers, Imane Khelif from Algeria and Lin Yu-Ting from Taiwan, to compete in the women's boxing category at the Paris 2024 Olympics despite failing gender eligibility tests. Both athletes, who have XY chromosomes, were previously disqualified from the Women's World Boxing Championships. The controversy reached a peak when Khelif defeated Italy's Angela Carini in just 46 seconds, leading Carini to abandon the fight after suffering powerful punches and crying in the ring. Critics argue that the decision endangers female athletes and undermines the integrity of women's sports. The IOC defended its stance, citing the athletes' passports as identifying them as women, and warned against turning the issue into a 'witch hunt.'