Source:REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki
[Saba Sports News] Carolina Marín Martín, the gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, has not competed since suffering a knee injury at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Last month she underwent another operation; she is currently recovering well and plans to return to competition in April. This week, the organizers of the 2026 European Badminton Championships confirmed that Marín has been given a wildcard to the tournament, and will take part in the championships to be held in Spain at the Carolina Marín Arena, named in her honor. According to records, Marín is a three-time World Champion and a seven-time European Champion in badminton — a remarkable achievement that makes her one of the few players able to challenge Asian competitors. At the same time, she is well known for recurring injuries. Fans still remember her tears when she withdrew from the Paris Olympic semifinals with a torn right anterior cruciate ligament — the second time she has suffered such a serious injury, having previously had the same problem in her left knee. In light of this, Marín has publicly said she hopes this event can mark the end of her professional career. After so many injuries, she plans to shift her focus to her personal life.
The columnist believes Marín’s comeback will be a dignified, emotional farewell rather than a return solely in pursuit of results. Whatever the outcome, she has shown by her actions what it means to “retire on the court”; her resilience and passion deserve the highest respect.