Chinese badminton player He Bingjiao showcased remarkable sportsmanship at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris on Monday. During the women’s singles medal ceremony, He was seen holding a Spanish pin as she accepted her silver medal.
“This pin was given to me by Team Spain,” He explained at the press conference. “My opponent in the semifinals, Carolina Marin, had to pull out of the match because of injury. I feel sympathetic because Marin is an outstanding athlete and opponent. I wanted to take her spirit with me to the final. I wish her a quick recovery.”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) shared a photo of He on the podium on its Instagram account, praising her heartfelt gesture. “He Bingjiao held the Team Spain pin during her medal ceremony in support of Carolina Marin, who suffered a knee injury yesterday in the semifinals,” the IOC wrote.
Carolina Marin expressed her gratitude in a statement on Tuesday. “I wished He Bingjiao all the best in the final because sportsmanship is above all else,” Marin said. “But the moment on the podium is one of the loveliest gestures anyone has ever made to me, and I will always be incredibly grateful to her.”
The semifinal match between He and Marin was intense until Marin landed awkwardly on her right knee after an overhead smash. Leading 21-14 in the first game and 10-5 in the second, Marin attempted to continue playing with a knee brace but ultimately had to withdraw due to the injury. He approached Marin to check on her, and the crowd applauded the Spaniard as she left the court in tears.
Gold medalist An Se-young of South Korea, who has also faced knee injuries, sent her best wishes to Marin. “Marin is a great athlete and a legend,” An said. “I’ve learned a lot from her. I feel so sad that she couldn’t continue to play. I want to play her again on the court.”
He’s act of kindness resonates with sports fans worldwide, highlighting the Olympic spirit of camaraderie and respect among athletes.
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He Bingjiao shows Olympic spirit by taking a Spanish pin to podium
cgtn.com
