Paris Olympics Scandal: Italian Boxer Quits Ring Against Competitor with ‘XY Chromosomes’

In the women’s boxing match at the Paris Olympics, an Italian athlete lost after facing a boxer with a “male chromosome.”

Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting were disqualified from last year’s World Championships for having XY chromosomes, typically for males.

At the time, Umar Kremlev, president of the International Boxing Association (IBA), stated that Khelif had XY chromosomes and prohibited her from competing in women’s events. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved Khelif’s participation in women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics, stating that gender cannot be determined by chromosomes alone.

Before the match between Khelif and Carini, Italy was concerned about Khelif’s participation.

Andrea Abodi, Italy’s Minister of Sport and Youth, expressed concern, saying, “Fair competition must be ensured at the highest stage of sports, the Olympics, but that will not be the case for Carini.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also criticized, “Athletes with male genetic characteristics should not compete in women’s events.”

Ultimately, during yesterday’s match, Carini was struck in the face by a punchNewsis from Khelif shortly after the bout began. Carini then tearfully declared a forfeit and exited the ring just 46 seconds into the match.

In an interview conducted after the match, Carini expressed her regret, saying, “I have always honored my country with loyalty. This time, I didn’t succeed because I couldn’t fight anymore. So I put an end to the match.”