Spanish badminton star Carolina Marín’s Olympic dreams were shattered on August 4, 2024, when she suffered a devastating knee injury during her semifinal match at the Paris Olympics. The 31-year-old three-time world champion was leading against Chinese player He Bing Jiao, having won the first set 21-14 and holding a 10-6 lead in the second, when tragedy struck.Marín, who had previously overcome knee injuries in 2019 and 2021, fell to the ground in agony after her right knee gave way while attempting a jump shot. Despite receiving medical attention and briefly trying to continue, the pain and instability in her knee forced her to retire from the match.The emotional impact of the injury was palpable, with Marín breaking down in tears on the court. Her coach, Fernando Rivas, described her as ‘hundida’ (devastated), saying, ‘It has been very cruel, we have no words. She was going from good to better in the competition and had the final within reach’.In a display of sportsmanship, Marín’s opponent, He Bing Jiao, embraced her after the match, while the crowd gave the Spanish athlete a standing ovation as she left the court. The incident has sent shockwaves through the badminton community and Spain, where Marín was seen as a strong contender for the gold medal.This injury marks a tragic repeat for Marín, who missed the Tokyo Olympics due to a previous knee injury. The severity of this new injury raises questions about her future in the sport, with her coach stating, ‘It’s time to evaluate the injury, do the tests, and accept what comes. She told me she didn’t want to end her career like this’.As the badminton community and fans worldwide express their support for Marín, the focus now turns to her recovery and potential return to the sport she has dominated for so long.
Key points
- Carolina Marín suffered a severe knee injury during her Olympic semifinal match in Paris.
- Marín was leading the match when the injury occurred, forcing her to retire and end her medal hopes.
- This injury is particularly devastating as Marín had overcome previous knee injuries and was in top form.
- The incident has raised questions about Marín’s future in the sport.
