Carolina Marín Takes First Steps Back on the Court after Devastating Injury
Olympic badminton champion Carolina Marín has returned to training,marking a important milestone in her recovery from a serious knee injury sustained at the Paris Olympics. Five months after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament and both menisci in her right knee during a semifinal match, Marín shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing her mobility exercises on a badminton court at the Spanish National Sports Council facilities.
While she isn’t wielding her racket yet, Marín expressed her joy at this progress, emphasizing the unwavering support she’s received from fans throughout her career. “Ending the year this way fills me with immense happiness, and I wanted to share it with all of you,” she wrote, adding the hashtag ”I can because I think I can.”
This return to training signifies a crucial step in Marín’s journey back to competition. however, ther’s no set timeline for her return to tournaments.
The injury, her third major knee setback, occurred during a promising semifinal match against China’s Bing Jiao He. Just three days later, Marín underwent surgery in Madrid to reconstruct her anterior cruciate ligament and repair her menisci.
In November, Marín revealed that her recovery was progressing well but stressed her intention to avoid rushing back to the court, unlike in previous injuries. she emphasized the importance of taking her time and enjoying the process, stating, “I’m not in a hurry. I ran to much in the two previous injuries, so now I’m trying to take advantage of and enjoy these moments.”
Marín,a three-time world champion and recipient of the 2024 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports,has set her sights on the 2026 European Badminton Championships,which Spain is likely to host. Competing in Huelva, her hometown, would be a dream come true for the athlete. “It would be a huge thrill to compete there, in my land, with all my people,” she confessed during the premiere of a documentary about her career.
A Conversation With Badminton Champion, Peter Gade, About Carolina Marín’s Return
Welcome back to “On The Court,” where we dissect the biggest stories in badminton and beyond. Today, we’re joined by none other than former world number one and badminton legend, Peter Gade, to discuss the inspiring comeback of Olympic champion Carolina marín.
Carolina, as many of you know, suffered another devastating knee injury at the Paris Olympics. This marked her third major knee setback, a truly challenging hurdle for any athlete, let alone a champion at the top of her game. Peter,you’ve experienced your fair share of injuries in your illustrious career. What are your initial thoughts on seeing Carolina take these first steps back onto the court?
Peter: Well, it’s incredibly inspiring. Carolina’s determination and resilience are truly admirable. Coming back from not one, not two, but three major knee injuries is no small feat.It speaks volumes about her mental strength and passion for the sport.
Carolina’s video, showcasing her mobility exercises on the court, was met with immense support from fans worldwide. It clearly signifies a monumental step in her journey. what aspects of her training do you think will be especially crucial at this stage of her recovery?
Peter: the focus now has to be on regaining full range of motion and strength in that knee. It’s a long and meticulous process, involving physiotherapy, targeted exercises, and careful monitoring. Every athlete is different,and Carolina’s experienced team will have a tailored plan for her specific needs.
Interestingly, Carolina has explicitly stated she’s in no rush to return to competition. She learned from previous injuries and wants to avoid rushing back too soon. What are your thoughts on this approach?
Peter: Absolutely crucial. I pushed myself too hard in the past after injuries, thinking I could catch up quickly. Rushing back often leads to setbacks,and it’s understandable why Carolina wants to avoid that. Patience and calculated progress are key.It’s about building a solid foundation for a sustainable comeback, not simply aiming for a swift return.
Carolina’s sights are set on the 2026 European Badminton championships in her hometown, Huelva. That’s a powerful motivator. Do you think seeing this goal keeps her focused and driven?
Peter: Without a doubt. Having a specific target, especially one with such emotional significance, provides a powerful sense of purpose. Competing in front of her home crowd, in Huelva, will be a dream come true for Carolina. It’ll fuel her motivation during the long and challenging rehabilitation process.
Now, here’s a question for our readers: Given her history and this particular injury, what do you think are the biggest challenges Carolina will face in her comeback journey?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. We’ll be back after the break with more insights into Carolina’s inspiring return.
