The Algerian coach walks in front of her like a living shield, trying to shield Imane Khelif from questions, microphones and camera lenses. Several of the world’s biggest media houses are on hand to follow Khelif in the Olympics. The boxer must have taken two gender tests, but according to the boxing association IBA, these have been rejected. In the Olympics, Khelif participates in the women’s class. There was victory after 46 seconds in the first match. Italian Angela Carini sank down on her knees, clearly distraught. According to Italian media, she must have shouted “non è giusto”. Translated into Norwegian: – This is not fair. BROKEN: Angela Carini kneeling after losing to Imane Khelif (in red). Photo: John Locher / AP – Do you think that’s fair? On Thursday, the boxer from Algeria was greeted by extreme cheers at the arena in the north of Paris. The Olympic matches usually last three rounds, but after 46 seconds of the first round, it was over. – I felt a strong pain in my nose. I tried with all the courage and determination I had, but was unable to continue, says opponent Angela Carini to news and other media at the boxing arena. The tears roll, she is devastated that her Olympic dream slipped away after 46 seconds. – Do you think it is fair that the opponent gets to compete? asks one of the media in the arena. Carini shrugs, smiles bravely and doesn’t answer that. CHAOTIC: the press flocks around Imane Khelif (in red top). Just to the right, coach Pedro Diaz is watching closely. Photo: Jørund Wessel Carlsen / news “A witch hunt” Even before the match there was a fuss about Khelif’s Olympic participation. According to Carini’s coach, several people in Italy must have given warnings in advance: – Several people in Italy told her “Don’t go there, there is a man. It’s dangerous for you,” coach Emanuel Renzini told the press, according to The Guardian. At a press conference on Wednesday, the IOC’s Mark Adams had to answer about Khelif’s participation. Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan create strong reactions in the Olympic city. The reason is that they were unable to meet the criteria to compete in the women’s class. In short: they failed to prove that they are women. DEVASTATED: Carini sat dissolved in tears after the loss. Photo: AFP IOC communications director Mark Adams labels it a witch hunt, and that they use the same rules as the Olympics in Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021, according to Insidethegames. – It’s really unfair, says Adams. – Everyone who competes in the women’s class complies with the rules. They are women in their passport, and it is said that is the case, says Adams according to the British The Guardian. That caused the boxing association IBA to react. The IOC is responsible for boxing in the Olympics, and they assess the rules differently than the association. The IBA has banned the two boxers from the WC because of failed gender tests, they write in a press release. – This raises serious questions about both justice and the athletes’ safety, writes the boxing association IBA. – Has extreme importance Frank Walstad is a board member of the Norwegian Boxing Association. They believe this is about genetics, and that it is neither fair nor healthy for those who participate that XX meets XY. What are XX and YX chromosomes? The sex chromosomes are chromosomes that determine the biological sex. In humans, the female usually has XX as the chromosome pair. Men usually have YX as a chromosome pair Source: Store norske lexikon He does not comment on the specific match or individual athletes, but on the issue in general. – We are very surprised that this is allegedly allowed, and here the IOC must come up with a more thorough explanation than just referring to “gender” in the passport, says Walstad to news. – Hormones and gender have an extreme importance in sport, he points out. WONDER: Frank Walstad in the Norwegian Boxing Association Photo: PRIVATE In Paris, Khelif is followed by a large Algerian delegation. Press manager Bachir Mokhtari speaks on behalf of the union. – She is one of the best boxers in the world, and prepares well with a trainer, psychologist and the whole apparatus around her, he says to news. – Much has been written about her participation. How is she? – We can’t talk about it. There is an athlete who fights in the Olympics. That is what we have to say, he replies. The Norwegian Confederation is following the situation closely, and hopes the IOC will now clean things up. Frank Walstad points out that it is not doping, but has the same effect. – Doping is different from genetics, but if you have been doped with sex or growth hormones once, you have the effect for the rest of your life. Even if they are banned for many years, they will have an advantage from it later, says Walstad. – These people we are talking about here have not taken drugs, but the effect and consequence are the same without it being “illegal”. This is a loophole that must of course be closed again, says Walstad. – Several people in Italy told her “Don’t go there, it’s a man” 00:28 Saves her teammate with an incredible maneuver 00:22 The star expelled after tackling a pig – leaves the field in tears 00:32 See the star back in the gymnastics final 02:22 Show more Published 01.08.2024, at 15.04 Updated 01.08.2024, at 15.40
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Imane Khelif and Lin Yu‑ting banned from the World Cup – allowed to compete in the Olympics – Olympics Paris 2024
