Ahn Se-young: Mental Fortitude for Badminton’s New GOAT

[사진] Korea Badminton Association

[OSEN=강필주 기자] ‘Badminton Empress’ Ahn Se-young (23, Samsung Life Insurance) has proven to be GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), but advice has been given that she needs the mental strength to withstand the weight of that crown.

Chinese portal ‘Sohu’ emphasized on the 26th that Ahn Se-young had achieved the milestone of the highest single-season winning percentage for both men and women in 36 years. Here, 36 years refers to the period in which the Badminton World Federation (BWF) began collecting data in 1989.

Ahn Se-young recorded a win rate of 94.8% (73 wins in 77 games) this season. This is the highest winning percentage in a single season ever. The win rate of 92.75% (64 wins, 5 losses) held by badminton’s ‘Messi’ Lin Dan (China) and ‘Ronaldo’ Lee Chong-wei (Malaysia) was well surpassed.

[사진] BWF

[사진] BWF

In particular, the winning rate of 94.8% is even higher than Viktor Axelsen (Denmark)’s 94.44% (51 wins in 54 games), which was the highest winning rate based on 50 or more wins. It is an overwhelming number that makes even the unofficial highest winning percentage in badminton history disappear into the background.

The media emphasized, “Ahn Se-young was ranked the highest in the 36-year history of data among male and female players,” and added, “Although it may be difficult for fans of legends to acknowledge, Ahn Se-young is the new GOAT that the data proves.”

Nevertheless, she is still young Ahn Se-young. This means that there remains the potential for greater development in the future. BWF also called Ahn Se-young “YOUNG GOAT” and made it clear that they have more opportunities to make history in the future.

[사진] BWF

[사진] BWF

This media outlet also acknowledged that the ‘Ahn Se-young dynasty’ has arrived, saying, “Many people highly value Ahn Se-young’s future and expect him to achieve even better results in the future,” and added, “Chinese players will also have to do their best to chase after him.”

He added, “Ahn Se-young’s ambition is not small. He said himself, ‘I want to play like a male player.’ As a player with stamina, stable defense, and clear technical skills, it is not easy for ordinary players to beat him.”

However, the media praised Ahn Se-young as an Olympic champion and world number one, but added a harsh analysis, saying, “Ahn Se-young has already started her own era, but as she stands in an unrivaled position, the pressure she feels will be more than you can imagine.”

[사진] Korea Badminton Association

In particular, he emphasized, “The most important thing for Ahn Se-young right now is mental care,” and “You have to accept the fact that you may lose sometimes and control your mind to achieve greater success in the long term,” reminding us of the importance of ‘mental’ along with technology. /letmeout@osen.co.kr