Marin's Olympic journey cut short by tragic injury

IMAGE: Spain’s Carolina Marin is consoled by coaching staff after retiring from the match against China’s Bing Jiao He. Photograph: Ann Wang/Reuters

Rio gold medallist Carolina Marin's run at the Paris Olympics ended in heartbreaking fashion on Sunday when the Spaniard retired midway through her semi-final against China's He Bingjiao with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.

Marin was leading 21-14, 10-8 and looked to be cruising to the gold medal match when she collapsed.

Coaches and medical staff rushed to help her and she tried to continue with her knee heavily strapped but collapsed again in tears minutes later, punching the ground in frustration.

IMAGE: Despite being offered a wheelchair, the determined athlete refused, choosing to walk off the court on her own two feet. Photograph: Ann Wang/Reuters

She stayed there for a couple of minutes before rising, hugging her opponent and tearfully limping off court, refusing a wheelchair that was brought to her.

Marin had previously torn the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee ahead of the Tokyo Games and had to bow out before she could defend her title.

IMAGE: Before leaving, she took a moment to acknowledge the crowd's support. Photograph: Ann Wang/Reuters

THE OLYMPICS, 2024

Source: REUTERS
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