China’s celebrated badminton player, He Bingjiao, who claimed the women’s singles silver medal at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, has announced her retirement from international competitions. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) made the announcement on Tuesday, marking the end of an illustrious international career for the 26-year-old athlete.
In the final match at the Paris Games, He Bingjiao faced South Korea’s An Se-young. Despite a valiant effort, she fell short in the gold medal contest. Nevertheless, securing the runner-up position marked her best-ever Olympic performance, a significant achievement in her professional journey.
Prior to her success in Paris, He Bingjiao was a two-time World Championships bronze medalist in the women’s singles category. She also played a pivotal role in helping China secure victories in both the Sudirman Cup and the Uber Cup twice, underscoring her contributions to the national team’s success on the global stage.
Beyond her athletic prowess, He Bingjiao is widely recognized for her sportsmanship and compassionate spirit. In the semifinals of the Paris Olympics, she advanced to the women’s singles final after her opponent, Spain’s Carolina Marin, was forced to retire due to a serious injury. Demonstrating empathy and respect, He Bingjiao carried a pin given to her by the Spanish delegation onto the podium during the medal ceremony.
“This pin was given to me by Team Spain,” she explained at a press conference. “My opponent in the semifinals, Carolina Marin, had to pull out of the match due to 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.”
Her gesture was met with high praise from both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Marin herself, highlighting the respect and camaraderie that transcends competition in the world of sports.
While He Bingjiao steps away from the international arena, she will continue to participate in domestic matches. Her legacy as both a fierce competitor and a compassionate individual leaves an indelible mark on the sport of badminton. Fans and fellow athletes alike await her continued contributions to the sport within China, anticipating the inspiration she will undoubtedly continue to provide.
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China's Olympic runner-up He Bingjiao to exit international badminton
cgtn.com
