Toronto: Badminton news shook fans as Canadian women’s singles star Michelle Li disclosed a terrifying experience during the recent European leg of the BWF World Tour. On social media, the world-ranked player recounted being attacked by a drug-addicted homeless man during the All England Open, revealing that her ribs were targeted in the assault.
Li shared that the incident occurred just outside a hotel near the arena shortly after her match loss in All England, Birmingham. “A homeless man/druggie decided my ribs were a good target to swing at,” she wrote, describing how the random act of violence left her bruised and bedridden for days. Thankfully, witnesses were present, and the assailant did not carry a weapon, preventing the situation from turning deadly.
“This shook me up,” Michelle confessed. “I never would’ve thought random attacks would happen to me. I’m very lucky he only got one hit in.” Despite the physical and emotional trauma, she praised the support she received and pushed forward to compete in the Swiss Open, where she enjoyed “every single match,” going to three games in all four matches she played.
Although Li didn’t make it past the semifinals, she expressed gratitude for the journey and the lessons learned. “Everything happens for a reason,” she said. “When crappy things happen, I was blessed with many individuals offering care and support when I was in need.”
Li’s strength and determination to continue competing—even in the face of personal danger—captured the hearts of fans around the world. Her story is not just one of elite badminton performance but of human resilience.
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