Olympic champion Carolina Marín has called time on her badminton career.
The Spaniard, who won the Badminton Women’s Singles gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, confirmed her retirement in a post on X on Thursday.
Marin, who also won multiple World Championship and European Championship gold medals, had planned to play her last event at the 2026 European Championships in Huelva, Spain.
However, the Spaniard has now decided not to put her body ‘at risk,’ retiring earlier than initially planned.
Rafael Nadal, a 22-time major champion tennis, has sent his compatriot a heartfelt message on social media following her announcement.
Rafael Nadal’s congratulates Carolina Marín on a ‘spectacular’ career
In a post on X, Nadal offered his congratulations to Marin.
He said: “Congratulations on a spectacular career!
“Congratulations on your fight, your talent, your overcoming, and for achieving feats that seemed impossible in Spain just a few years ago.
“Enjoy your new stage!”
Marin retires a three-time world and seven-time European champion in women’s singles.
She remains the only non-Asian player to win gold in a women’s badminton discipline at the Olympic Games.
Marin spent 58 weeks as the women’s singles world number one and won her last medal [gold] at the Saarbrücken 2024 European Championships.
Carolina Marin’s retirement announcement in full
In a post on X, Marin said: “Hello everyone. Today I want to share a message with you and I want to be direct.
“My journey in professional badminton has come to an end, and therefore, I will not be competing in the European Championships in Huelva.
“I would have liked for us to see each other one last time on the court, but I don’t want to put my body at risk for that.
“I’ve said it many times and I stand by my decision.
“I wish my career had ended in a different way, but in life, things don’t always go as we want and we have to accept that.
“Deep down, I did retire on court in Paris in 2024. We just didn’t know it at the time.
“This journey would not have been possible without every single person who has been a part of my team and my family.
“Thank you for never letting me fall, for standing by my side and supporting me in the toughest moments. Thank you for your unconditional love, for never leaving me alone and for never letting go of my hand.
“Thank you as well to my sponsors for not abandoning me and for understanding that behind the image there is a person.
“I wanted the journey to end in Huelva, and in a way, it will. Not with a racket in my hand, but in the city where I was born, closing a circle that has lasted so many years.
“I will be there to give back all the energy you’ve given me throughout this time and to experience an unforgettable week.
“Because that little girl who discovered badminton and wanted to win everything is now happy and coming back home.
“I leave my position feeling very proud of everything I’ve achieved. Not just the titles, but earning the respect of the sports world both on and off the court, and helping badminton become recognised, watched and played in my country.
“I couldn’t ask for any more.
“Now a new chapter begins where I will try to give back all the support I’ve received and continue to stand for the values of sport above all else.
“Thank you for sharing this incredible journey with me.”