After winning the gold medal in the women’s singles badminton event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, ‘Shuttlecock Queen’ Ahn Se-young (22, Samsung Life Insurance), who caused a stir by pouring out ‘determination remarks’ toward the association and the national team, revealed her position on the 16th through her SNS.
This is his statement that came out eight days after he posted on SNS on the 8th, the day after returning from Paris, that he was sorry for unintentionally causing harm to his fellow players.
An Se-young did not mention the specifics of the ‘sponsorship contract’ and ‘unreasonable laundry instructions’ that are currently surrounding her. Instead, she said, “We are not talking about right or wrong, but about changing in a positive direction,” and demanded a forward-looking stance from the association.
First, Ahn Se-young said, “After winning the Olympics, I was asked about my injury and I thought back to the past seven years of my time on the national team and said things that were on my mind, but because of that, I hurt the players who should have been congratulated and encouraged. I realized that I only worked hard in training, but I lacked the wisdom to navigate life,” once again expressing her apologies to the players and the nation.
An Se-young once again criticized the Korea Badminton Association’s poor injury management, which she revealed at a press conference after winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
He said, “Injuries are especially painful and difficult for players, and I was very disappointed that there was no effective support (from the association and the national team).” He added, “I wish there was someone who would listen to what I have to say, saying, ‘Let’s give it a try,’ or ‘If it doesn’t work out, let’s find another way,’ rather than saying, ‘You’re not the only one,’ or ‘You’re receiving special treatment.’”
He continued, “There are a lot of articles coming out now, but what I ultimately want to say is that I hope things that have been done conventionally, despite their irrationality, will change to be a little more flexible,” and emphasized, “I hope that we have an honest conversation, not a war of words. I hope that we can reduce the differences in our thoughts on systems, communication, and care, and operate within a common sense that everyone can understand.”
Ahn Se-young also said, “Fortunately, I heard that the Korea Sports Council and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism are investigating the truth. If someone takes an interest and the rules change, not only me but also future athletes will be able to focus more on their sports,” and asked, “I ask the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Sports Council to listen carefully to see if there is smooth communication between the association and the athletes.”
He also asked the association, which is taking an opposing stance toward him, to “hold the key to change. The association officials are the ones who should stop turning away and take active action so that the players can focus solely on their sports under a reasonable system.”
An Se-young concluded by saying, “I still have many shortcomings, but I decided to overcome my fears and come forward because nothing will change if no one steps forward. I am also scared that I might not be able to play badminton again, but I am writing this to repay the support of the people. I will finish my ankle and knee rehabilitation well and show you my best on the court again.”
Meanwhile, the Badminton Association has formed a fact-finding committee regarding the ‘Ahn Se-young incident’ and is holding its first meeting privately at the Olympic Hall in Bangi-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul this afternoon.
On this day, Ahn Se-young will not attend the meeting, but national team coach Kim Hak-gyun and some of the coaching staff and trainers will attend.
(Seoul = News 1)
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2024-08-16 12:54:44