Spain’s Carolina Marin was left in tears after a knee injury ended her hopes at the Paris Olympics during the women’s singles badminton semi-final on August 4. Marin, who was leading against China’s He Bing Jiao with scores of 21-14, 10-6, was forced to withdraw midway through the second game due to the injury.
Injury Cuts Short Olympic Journey
The unfortunate incident occurred when Marin, jumping to retrieve a shuttle, landed awkwardly on her right foot. She fell immediately, and despite attempts to continue, her mobility was severely compromised. The 31-year-old former Rio Olympics gold medalist broke down in tears and was seen sobbing on the court as she realized her tournament was over. Medical staff helped her apply a knee brace, but Marin’s pain was evident as she struggled to play two more points, both of which she lost.
Marin’s emotional exit was met with sympathy from the crowd, who witnessed her distress and offered a standing ovation. He Bing Jiao, visibly moved by the situation, embraced Marin after the match. The La Chapelle Arena erupted in applause for the Spanish athlete, acknowledging her difficult moment.
This injury also marks a troubling repeat for Marin, who missed the Tokyo Olympics due to a previous knee injury. With her current injury, it is uncertain whether she will be able to compete in the bronze medal match. He Bing Jiao will now face South Korea’s An Se Young, the top-seeded player, in the final after a grueling three-game semi-final against Malaysia’s Mariska Gregoria Tunjung.