Former badminton Olympic gold winner Marin retires at 32 due to injury

Published on March 31, 2026

Spanish Olympic badminton gold medal winner Carolina Marin announced her retirement on Thursday at the age of 32, citing a prolonged battle with a knee injury that hindered her ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

Marin, who captured the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, has been a dominant force in badminton since she turned professional. Known for her exceptional agility, powerful smashes, and tactical prowess on the court, she has earned three World Championship titles and numerous accolades throughout her career.

Despite her remarkable achievements, Marin’s journey has been marred , particularly to her right knee, which she has struggled with for several years. Her recent decision to retire comes after extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation efforts, which ultimately did not yield the desired results for a return to competitive play.

In a heartfelt statement, Marin reflected on her career, expressing gratitude for the support she received from her fans, coaches, and teammates. She acknowledged the challenges posed but emphasized the joy and fulfillment that badminton brought her.

Marin’s retirement marks the end of an era in women’s badminton, as she was not only a pioneer for the sport in Spain but also an inspiration for aspiring athletes around the world. Her legacy will likely continue to influence future generations of players.

As the badminton community reels from the news, Marin’s contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come, both for her exceptional skill and her determination in overcoming adversity.

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