The badminton world paid tribute to Spanish women’s singles star Carolina Marin, who announced her retirement after a long-struggle with injuries.
Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon summed up one of her long-time rival’s on-court trademark, saying : “I’ll be missing your screams! Thanks for inspiring the young generation as someone who never gives up.”
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Japan’s Nozumi Okuhara also paid tribute, saying competing against the 2016 Olympic champion was truly exciting, while two-time Olympic gold medalist Viktor Axelsen also hailed Marin’s fantastic career.
Marin herself posted a message on her retirement.
“My journey in professional badminton has come to an end. I wish my career had ended in a different way, but in life things don't go as we planned. In truth, I did retire at the Paris 2024 Games.
“I am happy to have helped badminton become recognized, watched and played in my country,” said the 32-year-old.
Throughout her career, Marin was recognized as one of the most lethal women’s singles shuttler due to her attacking intensity and ferocious screams to celebrate her points.
Her bold on-court demeanor also led her to be involved in many high-stakes battles, most notably against Indian star P.V.Sindhu whom she famously beat in 2016 to clinch the Olympic gold.
Marin, who also became the only non-Asian female shuttler to win a badminton Olympic gold, will retire knowing she has secured almost every silverware the sports has to offer.
Besides her Olympic gold, Marin was crowned world champions three times and won the European Championships on seven occasions.
She was also on course to win a second Olympic medal at the 2024 Olympics but tore her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) while in action in the semi-finals against He Bing Jiao.
Marin had previously overcame two ACL injuries in 2019 and 2021, but her setback in Paris proved the final straw.
The southpaw will also be recognized as the shuttler who introduced her country to the sport through her achievements.
Even tennis legend Rafael Nadal paid tribute to his fellow Spaniard for her contributions to badminton.
"Congratulations on your determination, your talent, your resilience, and for achieving feats that years ago seemed impossible in Spain," said Nadal.
The Huelva-born was scheduled to compete at the upcoming European Championships in her hometown as her final tournament.
Marin will now be there as a guest to officially bow out professionally from the sport.
