Carolina Marin, badminton gold medallist at the 2016 Olympic Games, sobbed uncontrollably after her Paris campaign ended in heartbreak at the semi final stage following a serious knee injury. 

The Spaniard led Bing Jiao He of China 21-14, 10-5 and looked to be on her way to the final when she collapse during a rally after landing awkwardly. 

The 31-year-old, who was denied the chance to defend her title in Tokyo after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee in 2021, lay stricken on the court as coaches and medical staff rushed to her aid. 

Marin bravely fought on and tried to continue with her leg heavily strapped but she slumped once more, struck the ground in the frustration and was forced to bow out. 

Her abrupt and devastating exit from the competition was met with a round consolatory applause from spectators at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena on Sunday. Marin could be heard weeping at the back of the court. 

The badminton star did not speak to reporters as she left the arena for the hospital. 

Jiao He will face Republic of Korea’s An Seyoung in the final. An defeated Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung 11-21, 21-13, 21-16 in the first semi final.

World No 4 Marin, provided she is fit, will take on Tunjung in the bronze medal match.