Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., is seeking to raise funds for Italian Olympic boxer Angela Carini, who was defeated in a fight against an Algerian opponent deemed to have male chromosomes. Carini, competing in the 66-kilogram women’s division, abandoned the match just 45 seconds in after being hit by her opponent, Imane Khelif. She left the match in tears, stating that she didn’t give up but that one punch hurt too much.
Boebert, in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, expressed outrage at the situation, stating that it’s “really unfortunate when women who have competed since they were little girls, trained since they were little girls, are forced to compete against a mediocre male athlete.” She launched a Give Send Go campaign to raise $196,000 for Carini, the equivalent of what Italy pays their Olympic athletes for a gold medal.
Boebert highlighted that Khelif was disqualified during the 2023 World Championships after failing to meet gender eligibility standards, as confirmed by International Boxing Association President Umar Kremlev. Kremlev stated that DNA tests identified athletes who attempted to compete as women while possessing XY chromosomes and were subsequently excluded.
Boebert criticized the Olympics for allowing Khelif to compete, stating that it “gave the green light that it’s OK for men to compete, even a physical competition, to the point where they’re hitting women. And this is not OK.” She added, “It’s disgusting. And at what point are we going to say enough is enough and call for an end to this?… And it’s not OK when it’s on the world stage next, where women are being defeated by men.” She asserted that every dollar contributed to her campaign will go directly to Carini.
The incident has sparked controversy surrounding the issue of gender eligibility in sports, raising questions about fairness and the impact on female athletes competing against those who may have a biological advantage.
