Italian boxer Angela Carini broke down in tears and abandoned her bout after 46 seconds. The fight caused major controversy at the Olympics. Algerian Imane Khelif, who faced Carini, was controversially allowed to compete.
Khelif had been disqualified from the women’s world championships last year for failing gender eligibility tests.
Carini disclosed she withdrew from the match after being struck harder than ever before and fearing a broken nose. She expressed that the intensity of the hit was unprecedented for her, leading to her decision to pull out of the bout.
“I’m heartbroken” Angel Carini on missing out on her dream
In dramatic moments at the North Paris Arena, Khelif’s initial punch knocked off Carini’s chinstrap, while a subsequent blow to her chin left her shorts bloodied. After enduring several punches, Carini retreated to her corner.
At the same moment she raised her hand and then collapsed in tears. She declined to shake Khelif’s hand after the Algerian was announced as the winner.
“I am heartbroken,” said Carini. “I went to the ring to honour my father. Was told a lot of times that I was a warrior but I preferred to stop for my health. I have never felt a punch like this.”
“I got into the ring to fight. Didn’t give up, but one punch hurt too much and so I said enough. I’m going out with my head held high. After the second punch, after years of experience, I felt a strong pain in the nose. I said enough, because I didn’t want. I couldn’t finish the fight after the punch to the nose. So it was better to put an end to it.” She added.
Angela Carini stays diplomatic on the gender controversy
Many people argue it is unfair for female athletes to compete against trans Women athletes. This is because of the fact that the trans females still harbor the male hormones that give them an upper hand. Angela Carini did not pay any heed to the controversy, focusing on her misfortune.
“I’m not here to judge. It’s not up to me to say if it’s fair or not fair. I just did my job. I managed to leave with my head held high. I’m a mature woman; when I feel I cannot continue, its not giving in, it’s having the dignity to say enough. I was convinced I would win, I was concentrated, serene. But these punches to the nose hurt, I said enough.” Angela said.
“I am in pieces because I am a fighter, they taught me to be a warrior. I have always tried to behave with honour, I have always represented my country with loyalty. This time I didn’t manage to because I couldn’t fight any more. Regardless of the person I had in front, of me, which doesn’t interest me, regardless of all the row, I just wanted to win. I wanted to face the person that I had in front of me and to fight.” She added.
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