"The BOIC and Belgian Triathlon must unfortunately announce that the ‘Belgian Hammers' will not be starting the mixed relay at the Paris Olympic Games tomorrow. The decision, like this communication, was taken in consultation with the athletes and their entourage. Claire Michel, a member of the relay, is unfortunately ill and must withdraw from the competition."
However, among the most polarizing events came out of women's boxing. One of the earliest of these Olympic matches was between Italy's Angel Carini and Algeria's Imane Khelif. Angela Carini, having been hit harder than she could handle, withdrew from the match only 46 seconds into the first round. After Angela Carini refused to shake hands with Imane Khelif, the internet became overrun by bigoted conspiracy theories about the female boxer's gender identities. Later,
Angela Carini apologized for her actions and all the trouble and pain she caused Imane Khelif, then wished for her to win the Olympics.
"Hi Imane! I hope you will reach the final and that you will win the Olympics."