“My journey ends here”: Rio Olympic champion Carolina Marin retires from badminton

One of badminton’s most electrifying stars, Carolina Marin , has announced her retirement, ending a glittering career that spanned over a decade and inspired millions. The 32-year-old Spaniard cited a persistent knee injury as the reason for stepping away, prioritizing her long-term health over a final appearance on court.

Marin, a former World No. 1 , rose to global prominence when she defeated India’s PV Sindhu in the final of the 2016 Rio Olympics , claiming gold and making history as Spain’s first Olympic badminton champion. Her career is decorated with three World Championship titles (2014, 2015, 2018) , seven European Championships , and multiple Superseries titles, cementing her place among the sport’s all-time greats.

Her rivalry with PV Sindhu produced some of the most memorable matches in modern badminton, including the 2018 World Championship final , where Marin once again triumphed. Fans across the world admired the intensity and sportsmanship of their encounters, which became defining moments of the sport in the 2010s.

In a heartfelt video shared on social media captioned “My journey ends here” , Marin said: “My journey in professional badminton has come to an end, and therefore I will not be competing in the European Championships in Huelva. 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. I have always been consistent with this decision.”

Despite injuries, Marin made a remarkable comeback to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics , following two anterior cruciate ligament tears in 2019 and 2021 , showcasing her resilience and determination. While she will not play in next month’s European Championships in Huelva , she plans to attend, saying: “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 experiencing an unforgettable week.”

Reflecting on her journey, Marin added: “Thank you for never letting me fall, for being by my side, and for supporting me in the hardest moments. I leave feeling very proud of everything I have achieved, not just the titles, but also earning respect both on and off the court.”

With Olympic gold, multiple World Championships, seven European crowns, and the respect of the global badminton community , Carolina Marin leaves behind a legacy of excellence, grit, and inspiration for generations to come.