Italian boxer Angela Carini, who left her Olympic match against Algeria’s Imane Khelif after just 46 seconds, has expressed a desire to apologize for her actions in the aftermath of the bout. Carini’s sudden withdrawal from the fight has sparked a wave of controversy and debate.
Khelif, despite being disqualified from last year’s Women’s World Championships due to eligibility issues, has been allowed to compete in the women’s boxing category in Paris. Her participation has been contentious, leading the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to affirm her right to compete.
In an interview with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Carini, 25, admitted that the surrounding controversy has left her feeling disheartened. “All this controversy makes me sad,” Carini said. “I’m sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC has decided she can fight, I respect that decision.”
Carini acknowledged that her decision to abandon the fight was intended as a mature response, yet she expressed regret for not showing sportsmanship by shaking hands with Khelif afterward. “It wasn’t something I intended to do,” she said. “Actually, I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke.”
Looking forward, Carini stated that if she were to encounter Khelif again, she would “embrace her,” reflecting her wish to move past the controversy and express goodwill.