MADRID, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Spanish badminton player Carolina Marin and her Chinese counterpart, He Bingjiao were reunited for the first time after their semifinal clash in the Paris Olympic Games at the 'Relevo x Change' awards ceremony in Madrid on Thursday night.
The Olympic semifinal ended in agony for Marin as she tore her cruciate knee ligament. The Chinese player went on to win the silver medal, and then showed her solidarity with Marin when she wore a Spanish badge on her tracksuit in the medal ceremony in what has become an example of sporting behavior and mutual respect.
That example of sporting behavior brought the pair together again in Madrid on Thursday in a ceremony, attended by Spain's Minister for Education, Training and Sport, Pilar Alegria which aims to "find the best ambassadors, who through the most noble values, help to improve society."
Marin said that she had thought it was amazing how He Bingjiao had thought about her while receiving her Olympic medal.
"We are talking at a moment when she was on the podium at the Olympic Games to receive her silver medal, and she wore the (Spain) badge all the time."
"That is something I will remember all my life," she said.
He Bingjiao told the press and said she had been completely surprised by the award.
"This is my second time to Spain, the last time I was here, I said I had to come back, so thanks for inviting me," She said.
She also said she would retire from international competitions but will continue to compete at national level, as well as working with young players. ■
