The fans only get to see the glamourous side of sport, but no one really knows, the trauma, hardships and difficulties a player has to go through to reach the top. Everyone knows US gymnast Simone Biles, who has 11 Olympic medals to her name, but not many know the sexual assault she had to face from ex-team doctor Larry Nassar. Now, something similar has happened with Paris Olympics gold medalist shuttler An Se-young of South Korea.
An Se-Young Speaks Up
In a shocking bit of news that has come the South Korean media, An Se-young was allegedly bullied by the senior male counterparts in the team. The reports suggest that An Se had to go through years of physical and verbal abuse, and was even subjected to washing underwear of senior male players.
The entire issue came to light only after this was brought to light by the South Korean parliament. Talent notwithstanding, An Se had to go through tough times. In fact, it seems An Se isn’t the only casualty, but this has been a long-standing feature in the South Korean badminton team.
And the Korea Badminton Association has totally failed to help the players. The entire issue has gained a lot of attention because this has happened with a player of such stature.
Sponsorship Issues
The problem don’t stop there. There seems to be an issue with the sponsors as well, where An Se would compulsorily have to wear uncomfortable shoes in crucial matches. Earlier, she had opened up on the entire scenario. Even the head coach Kim Hak-kyun expressed her inability to help the player.
