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Carolina Marin has called off her legendary career. She’ll skip European Championships in Huelva, signing off with the Rio 2016 gold and three world titles.
Spanish shuttler Carolina Marin.
(Olympics)
Carolina Marin, one of badminton’s most decorated players, has announced her retirement from professional competition, citing a long-standing knee injury that has ultimately forced her decision.
The 32-year-old Spaniard, an Olympic champion and three-time world title winner, shared the news through a video message on social media, marking the end of a remarkable career. She confirmed she would miss this year’s European Championships, which was expected to be her farewell event on home soil.
“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.
The former world No. 1 revealed that her decision was driven by the need to prioritise her long-term health over an emotional final appearance.
“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,” she added.
Marin’s career has been defined by historic achievements, including her gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics and world championship triumphs in 2014, 2015 and 2018. Indians would remember her fierce rivalry with PV Sindhu, with Marin coming victorious in both the Olympic final in Rio and the 2018 World Championships summit clash.
Reflecting on how her journey concludes, Marin admitted she had hoped for a different ending. “I wish I had gotten the opportunity to end my career in a different way, but sometimes in life, things don’t always go the way that we want it to and we have to accept that.”
Her final appearance came at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a significant comeback after recovering from two anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
“In the end, I did retire on a track, in Paris, in 2024, only then we did not know,” she said.
Despite not competing in Huelva, Marin confirmed she will still attend the European 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.”
She signed off with gratitude, saying, “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.”
“I leave feeling very proud of everything I have achieved in the sport. Not just the titles, but also earning the respect of the sports world both on and off the court.”
March 26, 2026, 9:58 PM IST
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