Riley Gaines has emerged as a leading voice against the gender debate surrounding the Olympic boxing events.
On Thursday, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif progressed to the quarterfinals in the women’s 66-kilogram category after her opponent withdrew just 46 minutes into the bout.
Khelif faced off against Italian boxer Angela Carini, who revealed she chose to forfeit after experiencing the hardest punches of her career.
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Riley Gaines (Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK/File)
Khelif has faced criticism due to previously being identified as having XY chromosomes; she was disqualified from last year’s IBA World Championships for not meeting the gender criteria.
Meanwhile, Gaines commended Carini for opting for “the most effective way to convey the message that this has to stop.”
“It was evident that this athlete was distinct from those in the prior contests. I felt devastated,” Gaines expressed on OutKick’s “Hot Mic.”
“In the truest sense, she is the real winner. She stands as a hero for every young girl watching this … and truly for all of humanity by forfeiting,” stated the host of the “Gaines for Girls” podcast.
Algeria’s Imane Khelif, left, clashes with Italy’s Angela Carini during their match at the Paris Olympics in Villepinte, France, on Aug. 1, 2024. (MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images)
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Gaines also criticized the IOC for “reinforcing” its support for Khelif’s participation, stating they continue to assert that competitors in the women’s division “meet the eligibility and entry requirements for the competition along with the medical standards set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU).”
“That’s simply the standard statement they are obliged to provide. They don’t sincerely mean it, they are indifferent to Angela Carini. They disregard the potential risks to her life. While it may sound extreme, that is the harsh truth. If a fatal incident occurs, the IOC shows no concern. …
“The message [from the IOC] is disturbingly clear … is that we, as women, are irrelevant, unworthy of equal rights, and not empowered to deem ourselves champions; we are here to affirm a man’s identity and feelings.”
Imane Khelif, right, emerged victorious over Italy’s Angela Carini in their match on Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/John Locher)
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Khelif will take on Hungarian boxer Anna Luca Hamori on Saturday, who has stated she is “not intimidated” by the contentious fighter.
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
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