Imane Khelif of Algeria won her Olympic boxing match against Italy's Angela Carini in just 46 seconds. The welterweight bout took place on August 1, 2024, during the Round of 16 at the Paris Olympics.
Khelif landed a heavy punch early in the first round, prompting Carini to call for her team to stop the fight. The quick end to the match led to an unusual scene when Carini snubbed the customary post-fight handshake with her opponent.
The match wasn't without controversy. Khelif's participation in the Olympics had been questioned after she was disqualified from the 2023 Women's World Championships for not meeting eligibility criteria. The International Olympic Committee later cleared her to compete in Paris.
Carini later expressed regret for her actions in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
All this controversy makes me sad. I'm sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.
The Italian boxer explained her emotional state after the match:
It wasn't something I intended to do. Actually, I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke.
Carini also shed light on her decision to end the fight so quickly:
It could have been the match of a lifetime, but I had to preserve my life as well in that moment.
She expressed a desire to make amends with Khelif if they meet again, hoping to offer condolences and embrace her opponent.
Khelif's victory moves her into the quarterfinals, scheduled for August 3, 2024. The Algerian boxer's eligibility remains a topic of discussion as the Olympics continue, with her case and that of another unnamed athlete highlighting broader questions about participation criteria in international boxing competitions.
