L-R Imani Khelif and Angela Carini
Italian boxer Angela Carini has apologised to her opponent, Algerian boxer Imani Khelif for her conduct during their bout at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Carini clarified that she did not intend to disgrace her opponent over her gender status, but her actions were driven by anger.
"All this controversy makes me sad, I'm sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision," Carini told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by bbc.com.
Carini, also 25, mentioned that abandoning the fight was a mature decision, but she regretted not shaking hands with Khelif afterward.
"It wasn't something I intended to do. Actually, I want to apologise to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke."
SB/NOQ
