EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., is leading an effort to raise funds equivalent to what Italy pays their Olympic athletes for a gold medal in support of boxer Angela Carini.
Carini’s Emotional Exit from Olympic Boxing Match
Italian boxer Angela Carini competed in the 66-kilogram women’s division Olympic boxing match Thursday, but was forced to abandon the fight just 45 seconds in after sustaining hits from her opponent, who was found to have male chromosomes.
Carini tearfully expressed her experience, stating: “I didn’t give up, but one punch hurt too much, and so I said enough.”
Boebert’s Support and Fundraising Efforts
Rep. Boebert, as she launches her Give Send Go initiative to raise $196,000 for Carini, emphasized the unfairness of pitting female athletes against male competitors in the sporting arena. She highlighted the dedication and hard work Carini has put into reaching the top of her sport, expressing empathy for her situation.
Boebert pointed to the findings of International Boxing Association President Umar Kremlev, who revealed that Carini’s opponent had been disqualified in a previous championship for failing gender eligibility tests.
Concerns about Male Athletes Competing Against Women
Boebert raised concerns about the implications of allowing male athletes, like Carini’s opponent, to compete against women in physical competitions, emphasizing the need to draw a line against such practices. She criticized the Olympics for giving validation to this behavior, calling it “disgusting.”
Ending Unfair Competition
The congresswoman called for action to put an end to situations where women are being overpowered by male competitors, urging for a reevaluation of policies that permit such mismatches in sports.
Through the Give Send Go campaign, every dollar raised will directly benefit Carini in the aftermath of her challenging Olympic experience.
