28 Years Later, Badminton Women's Singles Gold An Se-young "Anger Is My Driving Force" [Paris Olympics]

Unreserved Complaints About National Team Management and Training Methods

After winning the Olympic gold medal in women's singles badminton for the first time in 28 years, An Se-young said that anger was the driving force behind realizing her dream of an Olympic gold medal.

According to Yonhap News on the 5th (local time), An Se-young, the 2024 Paris Olympic women's singles badminton gold medalist, said in an interview that anger was the motivation to achieve her dream, and in a way, raising her voice was her dream. At the same time, An Se-young openly expressed her dissatisfaction with the national team management and training methods.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding her injury, An Se-young said, "I was disappointed with the national team for taking injuries too lightly," and added, "I even thought it might be difficult to continue with the national team." She also mentioned that she had been preparing 'determined remarks' since she first wore the Taeguk mark in 2018. An Se-young emphasized, "I hope players are nurtured systematically," and said, "Instead of just telling players 'this is your chance,' they should be managed by providing consistent opportunities."

Concerning player development and training methods, An Se-young pointed out that they should be separated by singles and doubles. She said, "Singles and doubles are distinctly different and should be trained under different systems," adding, "First, the head coach and coaches should be divided, and the training methods should be systematically distinguished for each." She further noted, "Singles players each have different styles, but trying to push them all in one direction causes many difficulties."

She also criticized the national team’s traditional focus on doubles events, which have historically achieved good results in international competitions. An Se-young said, "Since doubles always produced good results, treatment and training prioritized doubles players."

An Se-young has consistently expressed her desire to use a personal trainer. She lamented, "Tai Tzu-ying (Taiwan) travels with two trainers and one coach, and Chen Yufei (China) also brought two trainers this time."

An Se-young claimed that the efficiency of the national team’s training methods is also lacking.

She raised her voice, saying, "The strength training program is the same 365 days a year, and the badminton training methods are the same as a few years ago," emphasizing that this actually increases the risk of injury.

An Se-young said, "They should either train to prevent injuries or properly address injuries when they occur, but injuries happen, training is tough, and yet I end up unable to compete."

She also criticized the Korea Badminton Association’s unilateral decision-making. An Se-young said, "There were times I couldn’t participate in the France Open and Denmark Open, which had nothing to do with my will, and there was no explanation at all," adding, "The association removes players from the roster without sufficient explanation or communication." When asked if she could request an explanation afterward, she replied, "It’s a system and atmosphere where you can’t even ask. Once the tournament is over, it’s over, and I have no opportunity to ask. There isn’t even a meeting."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.