Carolina Marin, one of badminton’s all-time greats, announced her retirement on Thursday due to a persistent knee injury. The 32-year-old Spaniard ends a glittering career that includes an Olympic gold medal and three World Championship titles.
In a video message on her social media accounts titled “My journey ends here”, Marin explained that the recurring injury forced her to prioritise her long-term health over a final appearance on court. She confirmed she will not compete in the upcoming European Championships in Huelva.
“My journey in professional badminton has come to an end and therefore I will not be competing in the European Championships in Huelva,” Marin said.
“I wanted us to see each other for the last time on a track, but I don’t want to put my body at risk for that. I said many times, and I am consistent with my decision.”
MARIN’S LEGENDARY CAREER
Marin has had a notable rivalry with India’s two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, with both players producing memorable encounters. Marin defeated Sindhu in the finals of the Rio 2016 Olympics and the 2018 World Championships.
The European Championships in Huelva, scheduled for next month, was meant to be Marin’s farewell on home soil. She expressed regret over not ending her career differently, but acknowledged that sometimes things do not go as planned.
Her career record is illustrious, with world titles in 2014, 2015, and 2018, seven European crowns, and the Olympic gold from Rio 2016. Her last competitive appearance was at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a remarkable comeback after two anterior cruciate ligament tears in 2019 and 2021.
“In the end, I did retire on a track, in Paris, in 2024, only then we did not know,” said Marin.
Although she will not compete in Huelva, Marin will attend the championships.
“In a way, I will be retiring at Huelva, not with a racquet in my hand, but by giving back all the energy to the city where I was born and to experience an unforgettable week,” said Marin.
The badminton world was quick to shower their love on Marin, with Viktor Axelsen, Chirag Shetty and others commenting on her video message and leading the way with praises.
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