Naples,Italy – Italian boxer Angela Carini has publicly addressed the extensive online harassment she endured following her Olympic match against Imane Khelif last year,stating that the abuse considerably impacted her professional boxing career. the athlete revealed the emotional toll of the attacks in a recent social media post.

The Paris Olympics Controversy

During her opening bout at the Paris Olympics,Carini stopped the fight against Khelif after 46 seconds,citing the intense pain from her opponent’s initial strikes. This decision triggered a flood of negative comments and messages directed toward Carini on various social media platforms. On Thursday, Carini shared a video on Instagram featuring screenshots of abusive messages, ranging from accusations of cowardice to harsh criticisms of her performance and character.

“Have you ever considered the difficulty I faced confronting thes words? The constant endurance of such negativity day after day?” Carini questioned in her video.”I had to shield my well-being from a harmful online environment, from individuals who speak carelessly without considering the consequences. For them, it’s simply a phrase, a fleeting thought, entertainment, or a desire to conform.”

International Scrutiny and Eligibility Concerns

Khelif’s subsequent Olympic gold medal win was met with international debate, especially concerning eligibility rules. Both Khelif and Taiwanese gold medalist Lin Yu-ting were previously disqualified from the 2023 world championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to unspecified eligibility concerns. However, the IBA was later removed due to governance issues, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) oversaw the boxing tournaments, applying existing sex eligibility standards which deemed Khelif and Lin eligible to compete.

The fallout from Carini’s fight extended beyond the sporting arena, drawing commentary from prominent figures such as Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Rebuilding a Career Amidst Adversity

Carini expressed that the past continues to haunt her. “It’s easy to forget the past,but for me,it lingers,” she stated in her video. “it left deep wounds that I constantly try to heal,but they continually reopen and ache. This past altered and nearly destroyed my career, a career built on years of dedication, sacrifice, and passion.”

Prior to the Olympics, Carini had achieved significant success, securing silver medals at both the World and European championships in 2019. She experienced a setback in her opening match at the Tokyo Olympics as well.

Following the Paris Olympics,Carini retreated from public life,seeking solace with her family and focusing on personal recovery. She made a return to the ring in December, winning her eighth Italian title and earning a gold medal at the World Boxing Cup in Poland.

“Despite the disappointment, I returned to the ring, reaffirming my status as Italian champion and bringing home medals from significant international competitions,” Carini said. “Re-entering that ring was a considerable challenge.”

Carini acknowledged that her message may not alter widespread attitudes but hopes it will incite reflection. “A single word, gesture, or action can inflict immense pain and devastation upon another person,” she emphasized.

Boxing Eligibility: A Look at Recent Developments

The debate surrounding athlete eligibility in boxing has intensified in recent years. In February 2025, the IOC launched a new Boxing Integrity Unit to oversee the sport’s governance and ensure fair competition, following years of turmoil within the IBA. The unit aims to address concerns regarding judging, doping, and athlete eligibility based on current scientific understanding regarding sex and gender.

Athlete Country Olympic Result (Paris 2024) controversy
Imane Khelif Algeria Gold Medal Eligibility questions raised regarding sex eligibility standards.
Lin Yu-ting Taiwan Gold Medal Eligibility questions raised regarding sex eligibility standards.
Angela Carini Italy Retired after 46 seconds Received online abuse following her match with khelif.

Did You Know? Studies show that online harassment can have severe psychological consequences, including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. The impact on athletes, who are often under intense public scrutiny, can be particularly damaging.

Pro Tip: If you or someone you know is experiencing online harassment, resources are available. Report the abuse to the social media platform and consider seeking support from organizations dedicated to online safety.

What role do social media platforms have in protecting athletes from online abuse? How can sporting organizations better address concerns about fairness and eligibility in boxing?