Judy Murray is raising her voice against the recent decision that allowed Algerian boxer Imane Khelif to compete in the Paris Olympics.
The controversy stems from a dramatic bout where Italy’s Angela Carini was defeated and left in tears.
Murray’s frustration is centered around Khelif’s eligibility, which has sparked a heated gender debate.
On Thursday morning, Angela Carini, representing Italy, was overwhelmed and ultimately quit her match against Imane Khelif after just 46 seconds.
Carini was visibly distressed following a powerful punch from Khelif.
The Algerian fighter celebrated her victory in the ring, intensifying the controversy surrounding her participation.
Murray Calls for Reinstating Sex Testing
Judy Murray, known for her tennis coaching and as the mother of Andy and Jamie Murray, has strongly criticized the fight’s outcome.
She took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her dissatisfaction, stating, “This should never have been allowed to happen.
Bring back the swab test. Sport has to be fair and safe for biological women.”
Her call for reinstating sex testing reflects a broader debate over fairness in sports.
Carini’s Emotional Reaction
Following her defeat, Carini revealed her anguish, explaining that she quit the match out of fear for her safety.
She described how the pain from the initial punch made her decision to stop fighting a matter of self-preservation.
“I couldn’t carry on,” Carini said. “My nose started dripping from the first hit, and I decided it was better to stop.
I wasn’t afraid of the ring, but I had to safeguard my life.”
Historical Context and Current Backlash
The issue of gender testing in sports has a complex history. For decades, athletes underwent sex testing before the Olympics, but this requirement was removed starting with the Sydney 2000 Games.
Murray’s plea to reintroduce testing comes amid significant backlash from various public figures, including JK Rowling, Olympian Sharron Davies, and former Prime Minister Liz Truss.
The controversy also involves Khelif’s previous disqualification from the World Championships in New Delhi last year due to high testosterone levels, which led to accusations of a “conspiracy” from the Algerian Olympic Committee.
Ongoing Debate
The debate over Khelif’s and Lin Yu-Ting of Taiwan’s participation continues to stir discussions within women’s boxing.
The Olympic organizers’ decision to allow their participation has become a focal point in the gender fairness debate, with critics questioning the impact on the integrity of the sport.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn