Carolina Marín already has a new goal: “Competing in the 2026 European Championship is a very big dream, but not an obsession” | SER Deportivos Asturias

Asturias, Oviedo

Carolina Marín has left an indelible mark on the history of badmintonbecoming an emblematic figure of sport worldwide. The athlete has stood out for being the first and only non-Asian Olympic championan achievement that catapulted her to international fame. His impressive track record also includes being three-time world champion y seven-time European championwith his last victory in this last tournament in 2024.

In addition, the Huelva native made history by becoming the first European player to win two consecutive world titles in 2014 and 2015. Her dedication and talent led her to reach an even more significant milestone in 2018, when she was crowned World Cup champion for the third timebecoming the first player in the world to win three titles in this competition.

In these last Olympic Games in Paris in 2024, the athlete, for the third time in her career, suffered a serious knee injury that prevented her from competing to win the gold medal.

With each victory, Carolina Marín has not only raised the level of badminton, but has also inspired future generations of athletes, demonstrating that with effort, determination and the ability to excel, dreams can come true.

In SER Deportivos Asturias We enter the Hotel de La Reconquista and interview Carolina Marín, Princess of Asturias Sports Award 2024

Carolina Marín’s dream award

“For me it is an award that I have dreamed of for several years and when they told me the news I was very surprised. First of all, because I didn’t even know that they had presented my candidacy, so it was a big surprise. I couldn’t believe it, tears for the eyes. eyes falling, and being able to be here… I still don’t say that I am a Princess of Asturias Award winner because it makes me ashamed, I can’t believe it.”

The serious injury that attracts patience

“I’m much better. Of course everything is going better on the outside than on the inside, but the knee is doing very well. We are responding and respecting the times that the doctor and the entire team have told me. I’m in no hurry; I haven’t taken I have not even stepped foot on a badminton court since I broke my knee. Right now it is not an obsession that I want to pick up the racket, but the time will come. Now I am in another moment of my life, also enjoying all the beautiful things that I have. are happening to me, which are many. I haven’t had a moment where I say I’m bored or what I have to do; I’m very entertained and now enjoying all this.

Next goals?

“Competing in the 2026 European Championship in Huelva is a very big dream, but not an obsession. That is why I want to respect myself and take the time necessary to pick up a badminton racket again, when my body and my heart want it.” A very big dream, that’s why I want to make the decision on a badminton court and hopefully that moment will come in 2026 when I can go to the European Championship in Huelva, which has not yet been confirmed. with all my people it would be a very great dream.

The importance of mental health

“Many times, when you are in such a complicated moment and, above all, stuck in that black hole, sometimes it is complicated and, above all, thinking and believing that you can get out of there. If it is true that I have not I didn’t go out alone, but I went out with a lot of help. My family has been fundamental in this process. As soon as I broke my knee and had surgery, three days later I went home. It was the first time I had spent more than a week. my home since I went to Madrid at fourteen years old. That has made me very excited, spending time with them, with my nephews who grow up very quickly, and, above all, they have brought me many smiles that I thought I would leave. to cost much more. Also my entire team, at no time do they leave me alone, so I can tell you that I always feel very protected.”