Tag: 2024 Paris Olympics

2024巴黎奥运会

  • An Se Young Treated as “Free Labor”?

    An Se Young Treated as “Free Labor”?

    Controversy has once again struck the Korean Badminton Association after it was revealed that, without prior consent, players including An Se Young were made to participate in sponsored advertisements without payment. This has sparked public outrage, with accusations of treating players as “free labor.”

    After the Paris Olympics, An Se Young disclosed a series of scandals involving the Korean Badminton Association, including unfair training resource allocation and reports of bullying. She only returned to competition last week at the Denmark Open, following a two-month break.

    The association’s troubles are far from over. Korean media reported that last year, the association signed a contract with a sportswear sponsor, committing national team players, including An Se Young, to promotional activities for free—without player consent.

    In one year alone, An Se Young participated in multiple ads, including during last year’s Badminton World Championships and the Asian Games. Additionally, 20 players at last year’s Asian Games and 11 at the recent Paris Olympics appeared in ads, none of whom received payment.

    In an interview with Chosun Net, the Korean Badminton Association argued that players signed an agreement to participate in advertisements when joining the national team. The association claims that sponsor resources, such as travel expenses and training costs, offset the lack of ad fees.

    Acknowledging external criticism, the Korean Badminton Association admitted their policy is not legally mandated but rather an internal guideline. This approach has drawn the attention of parliament, with legislators calling for reform. One lawmaker emphasized, “The association should support its players, not treat them as free labor for financial gain.”

  • Carolina Marin Releases Training Video

    Carolina Marin Releases Training Video

    Today, Olympic champion and Spanish badminton star Carolina Marin released a video updating fans on her current condition.

    The short video shows that Marin is recovering well and is actively preparing for her return.

    Previous Update:

    On August 4, 2024, the women’s singles semifinals at the Olympics concluded with Marin withdrawing due to injury, allowing He Bingjiao of China to advance to the final. An Se-young defeated Mariska 2-1 and will face He Bingjiao for the championship.

    Once an Olympic champion and three-time World Champion, Marin displayed an impressive performance today, dominating the first game to win 21-14. In the second game, however, at 5-10, she fell after a jump smash and requested a medical timeout. Returning briefly, she fought on for two more minutes before collapsing at the court’s edge, visibly in pain and pounding the floor in frustration. Coaches and fans cheered her on, but she ultimately decided to withdraw.

    Marin had previously undergone knee surgery right before the Tokyo Olympics, missing the event entirely. Later, she required surgery on her other knee, making her semifinals finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics even more impressive.

    Many fans remarked on the similarity to the 2016 Rio Olympics, where Li Xuerui also injured her knee in a match against Marin and had to retire. Unlike the tension at that event, today He Bingjiao warmly embraced Marin after the match.

  • Chen Yufei Discusses Being Tested for Doping in Australia by BWF

    Chen Yufei Discusses Being Tested for Doping in Australia by BWF

    After concluding her journey at the Paris Olympics, Chen Yufei, one of China’s top badminton players, has taken a break from sports and is currently studying in Australia. She even changed her personal Weibo account name to “Chen Yufei on Vacation” and has been actively updating her social media, frequently sharing her overseas life with fans through livestreams.

    Recently, Chen Yufei mentioned in a livestream that she was tested for doping by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

    “A lot of interesting things have happened in Australia recently. We often have to undergo doping tests, and previously, I had to report my whereabouts for the tests. I thought since I’m all the way over here, even though I reported my location, they wouldn’t come all the way to test me, right? But one day, while I was in class, I suddenly got a phone call. It startled me! They said they were already downstairs at my place, waiting to test me. I immediately grabbed my bag, told my teacher, ‘I’m heading home,’ and when I got there, they were waiting downstairs to conduct the doping test.”

    “If I hadn’t shown up, they would have counted it as a missed test. While one missed test isn’t a big deal, three missed tests would count as a violation. It’s best not to miss any tests. The BWF commissioned them. I reported my whereabouts, and they then authorized the local agency to test me. They showed me their IDs and the authorization letter before following the process to check my urine and blood samples. They were really surprised and asked, ‘China Olympic champion, why here?’ I said, ‘I’m here to study English.’”

  • An Se Young Cries in Interview During Domestic Return

    An Se Young Cries in Interview During Domestic Return

    An Se Young made headlines after exposing the unfair treatment she faced in the South Korean national team. Yesterday, she returned to the court for the first time in two months, competing in the Korean National Sports Festival, attracting a large audience of fans and media. The athlete, who has been under public scrutiny, felt immense pressure and even broke down in tears during her interview.


    After winning gold in women’s singles at the Paris Olympics, An Se Young revealed the harsh training conditions and the years of unfair treatment she endured as part of the national team. Along with rigorous duties, she was even tasked with washing clothes for male players, leading to mental and physical exhaustion.
    In a previous interview, An Se Young expressed her deep disappointment with the national team, and even considered quitting. The scandal caught widespread attention, with high-level officials reviewing the case, and the outdated practices of South Korea’s sports system became a hot topic.
    During the Korean National Sports Festival, An Se Young said she had much time to reflect. When asked whether her love for badminton had changed, she couldn’t hold back her tears, momentarily unable to speak. After regaining her composure, she said, “Though I waited a long time, I want to thank my fans. It feels so good to return, and I will show you my best self in the future.”
    Having fallen from her world No. 1 spot to second, An Se Young believes that if she enjoys the game and shows her true self, she will undoubtedly reclaim the top position.

  • Heal First! Tai Tzu Ying Withdraws from Arctic and Denmark Opens

    Heal First! Tai Tzu Ying Withdraws from Arctic and Denmark Opens

    Tai Tzu Ying was originally scheduled to participate in two upcoming events in Europe, including the Arctic Badminton Open in Finland next week and the Denmark Open. However, she has now confirmed her withdrawal from the tournament, as indicated on the official website’s participation list.

    Ranked fifth in the world, Tai Tzu Ying competed in the Paris Olympics this year despite being injured but unfortunately was eliminated in the group stage. With her retirement countdown underway, she didn’t want to disappoint her fans and planned to compete as scheduled. However, her knee injury has been a constant issue. She reached the semifinals of the Japan Open but withdrew due to knee problems. She made it to the quarterfinals in Taipei, but also had to withdraw in Hong Kong. In her most recent competition, she was eliminated in the first round of the China Open.

    Today, Tai visited Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for further examination of her knee injury to determine her upcoming schedule. Earlier, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) website showed changes in the participation list; Tai was initially listed for both the Arctic and Denmark Opens but has now been marked as withdrawn.

    Coach Lai Chien-Cheng stated that they had originally planned to depart for Europe this week, but after assessment, the team felt that having Tai compete while constantly battling injuries was not ideal. Therefore, she will focus on healing her injuries throughout October, and her upcoming schedule will be determined based on her condition.

  • Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang Rise After Olympics

    Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang Rise After Olympics

    After securing the silver medal at the Paris Olympics, Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang’s popularity has steadily increased. From achieving the Olympic silver to participating in cross-industry activities and then making a fresh start, the different experiences have brought much growth to these young athletes. However, they remain clear that athletes can only realize their greatest value on the court, and serving the country remains their unchanging mission.

    From Overcoming Setbacks to Perfect Synchronization

    Many people know the story of how Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang soared from 444th place to world No. 1 in just 16 months, embodying the essence of perfect synchronization. However, both athletes have faced their own setbacks, and it was during these low points that they became stronger and more appreciative of their victories on the court.

    Born in 2001, Wang Chang was the runner-up in the men’s doubles at the 2017 World Junior Championships and the champion at the 2018 World Junior Championships. But after joining the national team, Wang hit a low point, often exiting in the first round with his partner. During this tough period, Wang doubted himself but reminded himself not to rush, knowing that many top players struggled when first transitioning to senior-level tournaments. “After experiencing it, things will gradually improve,” he told himself.

    Born in 2000, Liang Weikeng faced multiple defeats after joining the national first team in 2019, severely shaking his confidence and leading to a halt in his training progress. At the end of 2020, Liang was sent back to the newly formed national training team. Motivated by this setback, he decided to start fresh. In one month, he lost 13 kilograms, and by December 2021, he performed exceptionally well in internal competitions, earning his way back to the first team.

    In 2022, the national team reshuffled the men’s doubles pairs, bringing together these two previously frustrated but cheerful young players. Starting in May of that year, Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang began competing together, and their collaboration quickly clicked. Wang Chang’s sharp net play combined with Liang Weikeng’s powerful backcourt smashes led them to multiple championship victories, steadily boosting their world ranking.

    The Paris Olympics marked their debut on the Olympic stage. They were eager to see the national flag raised and hear the anthem played. But during preparation, they encountered common challenges faced by young athletes. “We were in peak form at first, but after the initial excitement passed, physical fatigue set in,” Liang Weikeng explained. To move more freely on the court and protect his previously injured ankle, Liang embarked on a tough weight-loss journey starting in December of last year. “In the hot March of Lingshui, Hainan, after each training session, I ran in a weight-loss suit in over 30-degree heat,” Liang said. He successfully dropped from 88 kilograms to 77 kilograms.

    “He shares his body metrics in the group chat,” Wang Chang said, noting that his partner’s positive changes also motivated him to look inward and address his own weaknesses. “I watch videos of my matches from six months ago, analyzing my progress and shortcomings.” Watching his own match footage has become Wang’s hobby.

    Approaching their first Olympics, Liang and Wang maintained a mindset of both ambition and enjoyment. “We must play boldly and give our all on the court,” they set as their goal before the games. In the end, they won the silver medal.

    Though losing the final left them feeling down momentarily, the young pair quickly reset their focus on the next four-year cycle.

    A New Start in the New Cycle

    Last week’s China Open was Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang’s first competition after the Paris Olympics, where they lost 1-2 to the Indonesian pair Fikri/Maulana, exiting in the round of 16.

    During the match, Liang and Wang led the Indonesian pair 14-12 in all three games, but couldn’t handle the crucial moments well enough to secure victory. “We didn’t manage our serve reception well. Their serves in the wind-assisted zone were more comfortable, and our connection between the serve reception and the third shot wasn’t smooth,” Wang explained regarding their loss after leading in the deciding game. The competition in the men’s doubles field is particularly fierce right now. Even before the Paris Olympics, Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang, despite being ranked No. 1, didn’t hold a clear advantage over other top-ten pairs, with many matches coming down to performance on the day.

    Having experienced the Olympics, Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang understand the increased expectations for them to perform well. But after a one-month break, they’re clearly not yet back to their Olympic form. Recovery will take time, and they will face more challenges along the way.

  • China Open: Stars Returning to Paris Face Mixed Fortunes

    China Open: Stars Returning to Paris Face Mixed Fortunes

    On the first day of the 2024 VICTOR China Open in Changzhou, the performances of Paris 2024 men’s singles silver and bronze medalists, Kunlavut Vitidsarn and Lee Zii Jia, were strikingly different.

    After winning Thailand’s first-ever badminton medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Vitidsarn took a full month off and was unsure about his performance in his first HSBC BWF World Tour match.

    “I didn’t come here with the intention to win. I’m here to learn and take it step by step. So, I’m pleased to have won my first match back,” he said.

    Despite a slow start, which gave him time to adjust to the fast and unpredictable conditions, the defending world champion overcame Su Li Yang in a tough three-game match with scores of 20-22, 21-14, 21-15.

    “I played well today because the shuttlecock was fast and difficult to control. The pressure from the Olympics was significant, but I aim to perform my best in every match, as qualifying for the BWF World Tour Finals is very important to me,” he added.

    On the other hand, Lee Zii Jia expressed his frustration, stating he is still struggling with some physical issues. He lost to Japanese player Koki Watanabe with scores of 15-21, 2-21.

    Lee discussed the situation with coach Huang Da Ming.

    “Post-Olympics, my body has been in a strange condition. I’ve had many injuries, but I don’t know why. I seem unable to fully recover, but things are improving,” Lee said.

    “When I train with a certain intensity, I feel sore all over. My elbows and knees ache, and my back has become stiff.”

    “I need to resolve these issues because I must be in top condition to qualify for the World Tour Finals.”

    The Malaysian player made a comeback in August at the 2024 Daihatsu Japan Open, where he lost in the first round to eventual champion Alex Lanier. He announced his withdrawal from the Korea and Hong Kong tournaments to prioritize his health.

    Now, he will take similar steps, returning to Kuala Lumpur to reassess his condition and prepare for the 2024 Yonex Royal Arctic Open in Finland next month.

    “My condition is not yet optimal, and I need to keep working to reach my best form.”

  • Want to Smash Like Viktor Axelsen? The Olympic Champion Reveals His Training Secrets

    Want to Smash Like Viktor Axelsen? The Olympic Champion Reveals His Training Secrets

    Two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen has unveiled the secret behind his powerful smashes and incredible agility on the badminton court. The 30-year-old player shared a 54-second video on Instagram, offering a glimpse into his workout routine.

    In the video, Axelsen shared two of his key exercises:

    Hex Bar Deadlifts

    3-4 sets,
    8-12 reps

    Axelsen stated that hex bar deadlifts and lateral exercises are crucial to his powerful smashes. These exercises give him perfect balance and strengthen his leg muscles, which are essential for executing smashes. He recommends that young badminton players incorporate this exercise into their daily training to elevate their game.
    He said, “Hex bar deadlifts can transform a badminton player’s level.”

    “They are a great alternative to squats and deadlifts.”

    “They build strong legs and explosive power, improve balance, and provide the strength you need for a more powerful jump smash.”

    Bulgarian Split Squats or Dumbbell Lunges

    3 sets per leg,
    6-8 reps

    In the second part of the video, Axelsen explained why Bulgarian split squats or dumbbell lunges are ideal for badminton players and how they have improved his agility over the years.

    He explained, “These exercises build single-leg strength, enhance balance, and improve agility.”

    “This is crucial for quickly changing direction on the court. Additionally, they help prevent injuries by strengthening stabilizer muscles.”

    Axelsen and Social Media
    The Danish player is also well aware of the power of social media and its ability to boost the popularity of badminton. He has amassed a million followers on Instagram, as well as on Weibo and TikTok.

    他在接受法新社采访时表示:“我不会轻视社交媒体给我带来的曝光度。这是展示我的运动项目和打造个人品牌的绝佳机会。”

    Olympic Champion Axelsen

    Earlier this month, Axelsen defended his men’s singles title by defeating Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn to claim the gold medal. Axelsen needed only 52 minutes in the final to secure a 21-11, 21-11 victory over Vitidsarn.

    Axelsen became the first European to win consecutive Olympic badminton singles gold medals. Just like in the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, his Paris victory remains the only medal won by a European in the sport

    Video:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C_J7JIKofbl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again

  • Speculations Arise About the True Relationship Between Arisa Higashino and Yuta Watanabe

    Speculations Arise About the True Relationship Between Arisa Higashino and Yuta Watanabe

    Just half a month after Yuta Watanabe announced his marriage, Arisa Higashino also suddenly revealed her marriage on August 28th. The fact that they kept it a secret from each other has left many fans surprised.

    Arisa Higashino shared on her social media platform, “…Although it’s a personal matter, I got married today to Yu Igarashi, a former badminton player and current coach from the same company, after dating for five years. We got engaged before the Olympics, and after much discussion, we decided to register our marriage after the Olympics…”

    Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino are senior and junior in the same sport, having attended the same school since they were young. They started partnering in junior high and have maintained a strong bond for over 13 years, winning bronze medals at both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Their close relationship even extended to their families, leading to Japanese media speculating that they might be a couple. Arisa Higashino had also previously expressed admiration for Watanabe in media interviews.

    After this year’s Olympics, on August 13th, Yuta Watanabe suddenly revealed on a TV show that he had registered his marriage before the Olympics, leaving Arisa Higashino in shock.

    Following this revelation, the duo unexpectedly split, ending their 13-year partnership. Arisa Higashino announced her switch to women’s doubles, while Yuta Watanabe partnered with an 18-year-old rising star.

    Now that Arisa Higashino has also announced that she got engaged before the Olympics, almost at the same time as Watanabe’s marriage, but without informing each other, choosing instead to reveal it through the media, fans are understandably shocked. Many are speculating whether their relationship soured behind the scenes or if a breakup before the Olympics led to their split.

    Regardless, we wish them both the best in their future lives and hope they continue to bring fans more exciting matches.

  • I Almost Lost My Life: Luis Ramon Garrido Grateful for Olympic Opportunity

    I Almost Lost My Life: Luis Ramon Garrido Grateful for Olympic Opportunity


    Luis Ramon Garrido last saw Lin Dan during the 2024 Paris Olympics, when Lin Dan was encountered in the Olympic Village. At that time, the Mexican player was ranked among the top 50 in the world and had just secured his place for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

    Following this, a life-threatening illness, eight knee surgeries, and growing self-doubt kept him out of competition for over four years.

    “I remember him from when I was young; he was simply amazing,” Garrido said. He had just brushed shoulders with alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn and taken a photo with Lin Dan at the edge of the Olympic torch relay. “He is my favorite athlete. I just saw him there and told him that he is my idol.”

    Garrido’s teenage career was promising, and he was once close to appearing alongside Jeremy Lin at the Rio Olympics. However, his journey to debut in Paris was long and arduous, often fraught with immense pain.

    “In 2015, I almost lost my life,” said the 28-year-old. “I was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis. My kidneys were failing. They couldn’t process everything, so I was urinating blood every day.

    “For a while, the odds were 50/50 because if you don’t treat this disease properly, it progresses quickly. The doctors told me that if I didn’t get treatment, it could be over within days.” Garrido survived, moved to Spain to live with a specialist for four months, and slowly returned to his first love: badminton.

    He learned the sport from his father when he was very young. His father was a former professional soccer player who, after retiring, began developing sports rackets for a university in Monterrey.

    “We started playing badminton in an old gym at the university just for fun,” Garrido said. “I was still a baby, playing badminton in a diaper. I was just addicted to playing badminton.”

    In early 2018, Garrido’s professional career faced a nearly terminal setback as his first knee injury made him question whether he wanted to continue competing.

    “I injured my right knee in a match,” he said. “I injured all parts: the patella and tendons, knee ligaments, and both menisci. It was extremely painful—both physically and mentally.”

    Over the next four years, he underwent eight knee surgeries.


    “I considered retiring in 2022, but I couldn’t forget my Olympic dream,” he said. “I knew I wouldn’t win a medal; it wasn’t pessimistic or negative, just a fact.

    “Despite all the injuries and wasted time, I know my place; I know who I am. I knew I would fight, even if it meant giving my life.

    “It doesn’t matter who is in front of me. Looking back on the whole process, participating in the Olympics feels like a dream.”

  • August 13, 2024:He Bingjiao Officially Retires

    August 13, 2024:He Bingjiao Officially Retires

    According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), He Bingjiao has officially submitted her retirement application and will no longer participate in international-level competitions. In the latest world rankings, He Bingjiao’s name has been removed.


    Throughout her career, He Bingjiao secured four world championship titles. She contributed to her team’s victories in the Sudirman Cup mixed team championships in 2021 and 2023 and helped secure the Uber Cup women’s team titles in 2020 and 2024. On the Olympic stage, He Bingjiao achieved a fourth-place finish in singles at the Tokyo Olympics and won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics.

  • August 13, 2024: Lack of Leading Figures Among Chinese Mens Badminton Players

    August 13, 2024: Lack of Leading Figures Among Chinese Mens Badminton Players

    At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Chinese badminton team concluded their campaign with a total of 2 gold medals and 3 silver medals.

    Before the Games began, the Chinese badminton team aimed to win all five gold medals in men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, with world number one players or pairs in each event. Three years ago at the Tokyo Olympics, the mixed doubles pair Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong lost to teammates Wang Yilyu/Huang Dongping in the final, narrowly missing out on gold. This time, the “Yas” pair made thorough preparations and made a comeback, winning all six matches to secure the championship, completing a crucial piece of their career puzzle.


    The women’s doubles final was an “internal” match between Chinese pairs. Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan eventually defeated their younger teammates Tan Ning/Liu Shengshu, compensating for their loss in the Tokyo Olympics final.

    The men’s doubles competition was the most intense. Teams from China, Malaysia, India, and other countries had closely matched strengths, with victory largely depending on pre-match preparation and performance. Chinese pair Liu Yuchen/Ou Xuanyi failed to advance past the group stage, and although the world number one pair Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang reached the final, they ultimately fell short and had to settle for silver.

    The performance of Chinese men’s singles players was unexpected. World number one Shi Yuki was in excellent form before the Olympics, having won several championships. However, in the men’s singles quarter-finals, Shi Yuki suffered a significant defeat to Thailand’s Kunlavut. Li Shifeng, the Hangzhou Asian Games champion, also underperformed and was eliminated in the Round of 16. This is the first time since the 2004 Athens Olympics that Chinese men’s singles has not reached the Olympic semi-finals.

    The women’s singles performed better than the men’s. Chen Yufei and He Bingjiao both advanced from the group stage, meeting in the quarter-finals, where Chen Yufei lost to He Bingjiao, thus missing the chance for a repeat championship. In the women’s singles final, He Bingjiao faced world number one An Seyoung and was defeated due to a clear disparity in strength.

    China’s badminton team has won the most Olympic gold medals in the history of the sport. At the 2012 London Olympics, the team achieved a clean sweep of all five gold medals. In the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, they secured two gold medals each. This time in Paris, their achievements are comparable to the previous two editions.

    Over the past decade, badminton has rapidly developed worldwide, altering the competitive landscape. Teams from South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Denmark, and other countries have emerged with numerous talented players, diminishing China’s absolute dominance in any event. Especially in men’s events, China has been lacking a leading figure. Wang Chang commented in an interview with our reporter, “Competitive sports are always full of uncertainties. However, every Chinese athlete will strive for victory when they step onto the Olympic stage.”