Paris: South Korean women’s singles An Se-young (World No.1) has solidified her reputation as the world’s best female badminton player, winning gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
On Monday, the reigning world champion defeated World No. 9 He Bingjiao of China, with scores of 21-13, 21-16 at the La chapelle Arena. This marks her second consecutive victory over He and extends her overall record against her to 9-5.
An’s victory was South Korea’s first women’s singles Olympic gold medal in the last 28 years, making her the second South Korean to ever do so. The first was Bang Soo-hyun at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
This is also South Korea’s first overall Olympic badminton gold medal since Lee Yong-dae and Lee Hyo-jung’s victory in mixed doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“I have been holding my emotions for this moment for seven years,” said An Se-young.
“Going through all the sadness and disappointment, this is where it is released,” added An.
At only 22 years old, An Se-young has already achieved Olympic gold, world champion, Asian Games gold, and Uber Cup champion titles, on pace to be one of the greatest women’s badminton players ever.
He Bingjiao, who lost the bronze medal match at the 202 Tokyo Olympics, made it to the final round following a withdrawal from her opponent, Carolina Marin, due to a knee injury.
China had already won gold in mixed doubles and women’s doubles and He aimed to be the third gold medal winner for China’s badminton team.
Following Marin’s withdrawal from the semi’s, Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung was awarded the bronze medal.
During the awards ceremony, He Bingjiao, usually expressionless and quiet, made a marvelous gesture, touching many fans.
Whilst receiving and holding the medal in her left hand, she actually held the Spanish flag badge in her right hand during the ceremony – paying respect to her opponent Carolina Marin of Spain.
Carolina Marin, known as Spain’s badminton queen, had won the first game 21-14, and was leading 10-8 in the second game when she suffered a devastating right knee injury during a smash. Although she attempted to persist with a knee brace, she had to retire after losing two points. In a post-match press conference, He actually cried for Marin’s injury, and this tribute was undeniably beautiful.
Perhaps, if Carolina Marin had not been injured, the results of this podium could be VERY different.
