"An Seyoung Didn't Win Gold Alone"... 'Gold Medal Senior' Bang Suhyun Also Mentions [Paris Olympics]

Former badminton national team player and MBC commentator Bang Su-hyun expressed regret over An Se-young's 'determined remarks' targeting the Badminton Korea Association.

In an interview with YTN Radio's 'Wise Radio Life' on the 7th, Bang commented on An Se-young's statement that "the association handled injuries complacently," saying, "In fact, all players inevitably compete in major tournaments while carrying injuries."

On the 5th (local time), Korean player An Se-young, who won the gold medal in the women's singles badminton final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is receiving congratulations from commentator Bang Su-hyun.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

He explained, "The Asian Games were supposed to be held in 2022, but they were postponed by a year and took place last year, during which An got injured," adding, "As an athlete, she had to prepare for the Olympics with less than a year left, so I think it was a huge burden." However, he also noted, "Players carry injuries because they need to earn ranking points outside of the Olympic stage," sharing his own experience: "I was advised to have surgery for lumbar spondylolysis, but surgery, recovery, and returning to competition is not easy, so I compensated through training and still participated in matches."

Bang stated, "Interviews as a gold medalist represent South Korea," and criticized, "Even if she was struggling and dissatisfied, she did not win the gold medal alone." He continued, "When she won the gold medal, coaches and directors joined the national team to train with her, and substitute players supported her as partners," adding, "If there is a problem with the association's system, it should be improved."

He further said, "I wish An had first expressed gratitude to those who worked hard with her, enjoyed everything as a gold medalist, and then, after properly organizing her feelings, discussed the issues with the association. It's unfortunate."

Finally, Bang said, "An is a junior I deeply care about, and I sincerely congratulate her for winning the gold medal after 28 years since me," adding, "She is still young, has room to develop further, and can compete as she wishes in the future. I hope this situation is handled wisely and everything proceeds smoothly."

Commentator Bang Su-hyun won South Korea's first badminton singles gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. After 28 years since Bang, An Se-young won the gold medal in women's singles badminton at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

However, at the press conference immediately following the final, An Se-young made determined remarks that caused a stir, criticizing the Badminton Korea Association's management of player injuries, athlete development and training methods, decision-making system, and tournament participation. Returning to Korea through Incheon International Airport on the 7th, An said, "I did not intend to fight with the association. I spoke to appeal that I want to focus solely on my sport, and I hope that is understood," adding, "I will provide more details after consultation."