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Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, has found herself at the center of a storm, not just for her swift victory over Italy's Angela Carini, but for a shadow hanging over her participation. Last year, Khelif failed a sex test, and now, her right to compete has been called into question.
The bout itself was over in a blink. Carini, visibly emotional, threw in the towel just 46 seconds into the fight, tears streaming down her face. The Italian athlete claimed she couldn't go on after taking a powerful blow early in the round. It was a stunning and swift end that left many in the audience stunned.
Khelif, previously ousted from the world championships for failing a testosterone test, now faces a torrent of backlash. Social media erupted, with opinions sharply divided. Among her ers is former Arsenal star Ismael Bennacer, who condemned the "unjustified hatred" aimed at Khelif. Yet, notable figures like J.K. Rowling and ex-Prime Minister Liz Truss have been vocally critical.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), alongside the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit, stepped in to address the furor. Their t statement was clear: "Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination." They emphasized that all athletes at the Games, including Khelif, met the competition's stringent eligibility and medical regulations.
While the statement did not mention Khelif by name, it tackled the swirling misinformation head-on. The IOC stressed that these athletes have long competed in the women's category, including at the 2020 Tokyo Games, and that their eligibility was not up for debate.
Olympic ethics and human rights: IOC addresses backlash in boxing controversy
Further clarifying their stance, the IOC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the human rights of all participants, as dictated by the Olympic Charter and their own Code of Ethics. The organization expressed dismay over the abuse targeted at Khelif and another athlete, Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, who also faced scrutiny over similar issues.
Carini, explaining her abrupt withdrawal, recounted the pain and difficulty she faced in the ring. "I couldn't carry on. I have a big pain in my nose and I said, 'Stop'. My nose started dripping from the first hit. It was a matter of health and safety," she said, reflecting on the intense moment.
The Algerian Boxing Federation, meanwhile, celebrated Khelif's triumph. They proudly announced her quarterfinal qualification, lauding her ability to overcome her opponent with remarkable ease. "Congratulations to the Algerian boxer Iman Khalif, who responds strongly in the ring and qualifies for the quarterfinals," they wrote, highlighting her dominant performance.
In a saga that blends the fierce intensity of sport with broader societal debates, the story of Imane Khelif at the Paris Olympics is far from over. As the Games progress, the conversations around fairness, eligibility, and human rights continue to spark fiery discussions both inside and outside the ring.