Italian boxer Angela Carini wept after abandoning her match against Algerian Imane Khelif in just 46 seconds at the Olympics.
The fight caused controversy as Khelif is one of two boxers allowed to compete at the Games despite being disqualified from the women’s world championships last year for failing testosterone and gender eligibility tests.
At the North Paris Arena, Carini explained later that she quit after receiving a harder punch than she had ever experienced before. The first punch dislodged her chinstrap, and the second hit her chin, causing her shorts to bleed.
"I am heartbroken," said Carini. "I went into the ring to honour my father. I was told many times that I was a warrior, but I chose to stop for my health. I have never felt a punch like this."
The 25-year-old from Naples added, "I entered the ring to fight. I didn't give up, but one punch hurt too much, so I said enough. I'm leaving with my head held high."
After the second punch, Carini felt a strong pain in her nose. "I said enough because I didn't want to. I couldn't finish the fight after the punch to the nose. So it was better to end it."
"I have always tried to behave with honour, I have always represented my country with loyalty. This time I didn't manage to because I couldn't fight anymore. Regardless of the person I had in front of me, regardless of all the fuss, I just wanted to win. I wanted to face the person in front of me and fight."
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When asked if it would have been better to pull out beforehand, Carini said, "I am not one who gives up easily. No, even if they had said we wouldn't fight, I would never have accepted it. I have a warrior's mentality. This time I didn't manage. I felt too much pain in my nose. I said enough."
"It's not a defeat for me – for me if you go into the ring, you have already won, regardless of everything else. I'm not here to judge. It's not up to me to say if it's fair or not fair. I just did my job. I managed to leave with my head held high. I'm a mature woman; when I feel I cannot continue, it's not giving in, it's having the dignity to say enough."
