Italian boxer Angela Carini has apologized for her behavior following her loss to Algeria’s Imane Khelif at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Carini had initially questioned Khelif’s gender, claiming that the Algerian was not female after she was barred from last year’s Women’s World Championships for failing to meet eligibility criteria. Carini’s comments sparked widespread controversy and online abuse directed at Khelif.
However, Carini has since expressed remorse and apologized for her remarks. In an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, she said, “All this controversy has made me sad. I apologize to my opponent. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.”
The Italian boxer added, “I didn’t intend to do what I did. I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was just frustrated about leaving the Olympics. If I meet Khelif again, I will embrace her.”
The International Olympic Committee had defended Khelif’s right to compete, stating in an official statement, “She was born female, was registered female, lived her life as a female, boxed as a female, and has a female passport.”
