Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticized the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for allowing athletes with high testosterone levels to compete in women’s events at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her comments come in the wake of a controversial boxing match where Italian boxer Angela Carini quit after just 46 seconds against Algerian transgender boxer Imane Khelif.
Meloni, speaking during a televised press scrum, stated, “With these testosterone levels, this is not an equitable competition. Athletes with masculine attributes shouldn’t be allowed in women’s competitions.” She emphasized that the policy undermines the fairness of women’s sports.
Carini, who withdrew from the match after receiving two powerful blows, reportedly said that the hits from Khelif, a biological male, “hurt too much.” Her coaches deemed the fight too dangerous, and there are indications that Carini might have suffered a broken nose. “I went into the ring to fight. I didn’t give up, but a punch hurt too much,” Carini explained, recounting how the second blow dislodged her helmet and forced her to retreat.
Meloni clarified that her stance is not about discrimination but about protecting the rights of female athletes to compete on equal terms. “Not because we want to discriminate against anyone, but to protect the rights of female athletes to compete on equal terms,” she stated, addressing the media.
The issue has sparked widespread debate about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, with many arguing that it compromises the integrity and safety of the competitions. The IOC’s current policies have faced increasing scrutiny and calls for reform to ensure fair play for all athletes.
