Carolina Marin’s father passes away
Last month, the 27-year-old Olympic gold medallist had resumed training and her eyes are set on defending her gold medal at the Tokyo Games.
2016 Rio Olympics gold medallist Carolina Marin of Spain has announced her retirement from professional badminton, bringing an end to a decorated career in which she won three World Championships and became one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Marin shared an emotional message on social media on Thursday, confirming that she will not compete in the upcoming European Championships in her hometown of Huelva, where she had received a wild card entry.
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“Today I want to be direct. My path in professional badminton has ended, and therefore I will not participate in the European Championships of Huelva,” Marin said in a video posted on Instagram.
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The 31-year-old said recurring injuries played a decisive role in her decision, adding that she did not want to risk further damage to her body for a farewell appearance on court.
“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 it. I said it many times, and I am consistent with my decision,” she added.
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Marin’s career highlights include her historic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she defeated India’s P.V. Sindhu in the final to become the first Spanish badminton player to win Olympic gold. She is also a three-time world champion and multiple-time European champion.
Reflecting on her journey, Marin revealed that her final competitive appearance came unknowingly at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she retired hurt in the semi-final after a knee injury.
“In the end, I did retire on a track, in Paris, in 2024, only then we did not know,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude to fans and supporters who stood by her throughout her career.
“Thank you for never letting me fall, for being by my side, and for supporting me in the hardest moments. Thank you for your unconditional love,” Marin said.
Although she will not end her career on court in Huelva, Marin said her hometown will still serve as the symbolic closing chapter of her journey.
“I wanted the road to end in Huelva, and so it will be. Not with the racket in my hand, but in the city where I was born, to close a circle of many years,” she said.
Looking ahead, Marin said she is ready to begin a new chapter while continuing to give back to sport.
“I leave my passion being very proud of everything I have achieved, but more than for the titles, for having earned the respect of the world of sport,” she added.
“Now I start a new path in which I will try to return all the support I have received and continue defending the values of sport,” she concluded.
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