"True Olympics Spirit" — China's Badminton Silver Medallist Holds Spain's Pin On Podium
A true winner.
The medal winners for the women's singles badminton players at the Paris 2024 Olympics were recently announced, but many spotted a small, heartwarming gesture while they were on stage
While receiving her silver medal for the women's singles competition, China's He Bingjiao was seen holding a Spanish flag pin as a touching tribute to her fellow badminton player, Carolina Marin, from Spain.
Image via laobalaomadecai/Reddit
Carolina Marin had to withdraw from the tournament due to an injury, and many players, including He, expressed their disappointment and support for her
Though Marin was leading in her semi-finals match against He on Sunday, 4 August, she collapsed halfway through the second set, clutching her leg, as her coaches and He rushed to her side.
Marin, who won women's singles gold at the Rio 2016 Games, wore a brace to continue the match but could barely move, causing her to lose two points before falling to the ground again.
She left the court in tears for a medical checkup.
Image via AFP/New Straits Times
As a result, He progressed to the finals, where she played against South Korea's gold medal winner, An Se Young
Uncomfortable with her entire match against Marin, He told reporters that she felt very sad about what had happened.
"She was playing perfectly well and I was very passive. I wasn't thinking about the final at all," He was quoted as saying by AFP.
Image via Reuters/RTHK
By displaying the Spanish pin on the podium, He showed her respect and admiration for Marin, who is considered one of the greatest badminton players of all time.
Her act of sportsmanship quickly went viral on social media, garnering praise from fans around the world for her kindness and empathy
In her post-match interview, He cried and told the media that Marin even cheered her on till the end, telling her to play well in the final.
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