Marin Withdraws from Bronze Medal Match Due to Knee Injury; He Bingjiao: She Encouraged Me to Play Well
Jayce
Carolina Marin had to regretfully withdraw from the women’s singles semifinal match at the Paris Olympics due to a knee injury while leading in the second game. Heartbroken, she knelt on the court in tears. Despite her disappointment, she graciously wished her opponent, He Bingjiao, well, hugging her and encouraging her to play well in the final.
After battling back from two severe knee injuries, Marin faced the most dreaded outcome at a moment when she had a chance to compete for gold at the Paris Olympics. Even though she was leading 21-14, 10-8 in the semifinal, she ultimately had to withdraw and was confirmed unable to compete in the bronze medal match.
“She looked at me and said, ‘It’s broken,'” Marin’s coach, Rivas, revealed in a post-match interview. “She knows that feeling; if she tells me that, it must be true.”
Rivas, who has been coaching Marin for 16 years and considers her like a daughter, was deeply pained to see her injured. At that moment, the outcome of the match no longer mattered. “She was really healthy, in great shape, and determined to win the gold. I am proud of her determination and resilience throughout this journey. Although she might not feel it now, she will be proud of herself in the future.”
After Marin’s injury, He Bingjiao expressed her concern, and the two embraced post-match. In an emotional interview, He Bingjiao said, “This is the last thing I wanted to see happen. Marin even encouraged me to play well in the final.”
He Bingjiao continued, “I really don’t want to see injuries. On the court, my opponent also showed a strong will to survive, and I was always looking for ways to catch up. Now I need to calm my mind and prepare for the final.” He Bingjiao will face An Se-young for the gold medal tomorrow, while Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung is confirmed to take the bronze.
