The bittersweet thing

Just as soon as I was all hyped up about Shin/Lee's victory, Hyo Jung announced her decision to retire from the circuit. Not just her, but her women double's partner Lee Kyung Won too.

I knew she isn't young anymore, unlike any of her partners (except Kyung Won), but I just didn't expect such a sudden call for retirement. Right, she must have thought it over and had discussed with the team, but I never knew. Not till last night.

Since following badminton matches four years ago, many players have retired, but this is the first time I'm feeling it so deeply, so intensely. Lee Hyun Il, Hwang Ji Man, Lee Jae Jin, Shon Seung Mo and so. I liked them, and was somehow sad when I knew they were leaving. But hey, Hyun Il's still on the circuit! Wong Choong Hann's retirement meant quite a lot to me too, but he left slowly, not at once, so there was time and space to get over it.

Now Hyo Jung's leaving really suddenly and I'm missing her already. And I thought she might win her second mixed double's gold, with a different partner, at London in 2012. Hah!

Though, I'm really glad for her to end her career at such a high note. Olympic gold medalist with Yong Dae, silver medalist with Kyung Won, Asian gold medalist with Baek Cheol and the first ever Korean Uber Cup champions. She's just great! Good thing she's leaving when she's still doing good, rather than waiting till she slows down, then people might just remember her as the not-so-outstanding player. Smart move.

Hyo Jung, Kyung Won. You girls never know how much you mean to me! I never knew either. Thanks soooo much for the great matches, the tears, smile and laughter we've shared, and the sweet memories. Thank you my loves.

I shall always remember the Lee Hyo Jung and Lee Kyung Won on court, as the lady players who've had my greatest support . Hopefully they'll still appear once in a while, better still as a coach.

I miss them more than anyone could imagine.