It hurt so badly,” the Italian sobbed after cutting off all contact with Khelif after the defeat. It has crushed my heart.
As a way to pay tribute to my dad, I entered the ring. Despite repeated assurances that I was a formidable fighter, I ultimately decided to rest for the sake of my health. This is the hardest punch I’ve ever felt.
But Carini did confess a desire to apologize for her actions a few days later. In an interview with the Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, she expressed her sadness at the ongoing dispute.
My opponent also has my deepest sympathies. The decision of the IOC to allow her to compete would be respected by me.
It was never my intention to do that. My sincere regrets are with her and everyone else. My Olympic dreams had been dashed, and I was furious about it.
In response to the criticism, the Algerian Olympic Committee issued a statement that read: “We strongly support our heroine and continue to defend her rights as a fair and qualified competition.”
