Elon Musk weighs in on Olympic boxing controversy with fighter who failed gender test
Imane Khelif clinched a dominant win over Angela Carini in boxing at the Olympic Games, sparking a controversial debate on social media which Elon Musk joined
Elon Musk issued a one-word response to the news that an Algerian boxer deemed to have male chromosomes won a fight at the Paris Olympics â and sparked controversy. On Thursday, Imane Khelif defeated Italyâs Angela Carini in the 66-kilogram weight class, leading to a divisive conversation on social media which Musk chimed in on.
The fight between Khelif and Carini lasted just 46 seconds before Carini went to her cornermen to call off the fight. At the North Paris Arena, a single first punch from Khelif dislodged Cariniâs chinstrap and a second on her chin left her shorts bloodied.
The Italian returned to her corner and raised her hand before falling to her knees. A tearful Carini refused to shake Khelifâs hand after the Algerian was declared the winner.
Cariniâs coach Emanuele Renzini admitted that quitting the match wasnât on the table heading into the bout. He questioned the fairness of the contest, saying: âIt would have been easier not to show up, because all of Italy had been asking her not to fight for days. But Angela was motivated and wanted to do it.
âOf course, when she met her opponent at the draw, she said âItâs not fair.â But there was no premeditation here today She quit after taking one punch, she told me she didnât feel she could fight.â
The conversation has dominated social media throughout the day. University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines took to X to post: âMen donât belong in womenâs sports #IStandWithAngelaCarini Letâs get it trendingâ â along with a fire emoji.
Musk responded to the post, weighing in with his thoughts on the matter. He replied: âAbsolutelyâ
Imane Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships for failing a gender test (Image: GETTY)
Khelif has faced immense controversy regarding a failed gender eligibility test in 2023. She was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships, which is sanctioned by the International Boxing Association.
