Ahn Se-young Wins Gold and Makes Bombshell Statement "Disappointed in National Team... May Find It Hard to Continue" [Paris Olympics]

After Winning Gold, Association's Stern Criticism
"Only One Badminton Gold Medal... Time to Reflect"

"Queen of Shuttlecock" An Se-young (22, Samsung Life) unleashed a series of 'determined remarks' about the badminton national team immediately after winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

On the 5th, An Se-young defeated world No. 9 He Bingjiao (China) 2-0 (21-13, 21-16) in the women's singles final held at Porte de la Chapelle Arena in Paris, France, and claimed the gold medal. After the award ceremony, An Se-young said, "My injury was more serious than I thought, and I was quite disappointed with the national team, who I felt were too complacent," adding, "After this moment, I also thought it might be difficult to continue with the national team," making a 'surprising' statement.

On the 5th (local time), at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena in Paris, France, An Se-young of Korea, who defeated China's He Bingjiao in the women's singles final of the 2024 Paris Olympic badminton event, is kissing her gold medal. [Image source=Yonhap News]

This is interpreted as a criticism of the process in which she injured her knee during the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games final and the national team's response afterward. After injuring her knee in the Asian Games final against Chen Yufei (China) last October, An Se-young struggled with Olympic preparations. She said, "From the moment the initial misdiagnosis happened, I kept enduring and playing, but when I was re-examined at the end of last year, it was much worse," adding, "I persevered steadfastly, and thanks to the help of the trainer, I was able to come this far."

At the first examination in October last year, she was diagnosed with a rehabilitation period as short as two weeks, so she thought she had avoided a serious injury, but the re-examination revealed that she would have to play while enduring pain for some time. She added, "I was very disappointed with the national team during my injury situation. I cannot forget that moment."

On the 5th (local time), at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena in Paris, France, An Se-young of Korea, who defeated China's He Bingjiao in the women's singles final of the 2024 Paris Olympics badminton, is celebrating her victory.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

An Se-young avoided giving a direct answer regarding retirement. She said, "I want to continue (playing badminton) for the development of badminton and my records, but I don't know what the Badminton Korea Association will do," adding, "I think I can endure any situation as long as I can play badminton." When reporters asked about her participation in the next Olympics, she replied, "I think it would be harsh for athletes if they cannot compete in the Olympics just because they leave the national team."

She also pointed out, "Singles and doubles are clearly different, so players should not be disqualified," and criticized, "The association blocks everything and at the same time neglects under the name of freedom." She then said, "I think our badminton could achieve much more progress, but the fact that we only got one gold medal is a point we need to reflect on."