Olympic Badminton Champion An Se Young Target of "Rolex Deal" Misinformation
Ashley
Mon Sep 09 2024
The world of badminton was recently rocked by rumors of Olympic gold medalist An Se Young signing a lucrative deal with Rolex. However, both Rolex and the Korea Badminton Association have come forward to debunk these false claims, shedding light on the happiness and struggles within the sport.
Rolex made an official statement declaring that they had not entered into a 10 billion won contract with Korean badminton player An Se Young, dismissing online speculations about her departure from the sports association as part of a supposed deal with the luxury watch brand. The Korea Badminton Association also denounced the "Rolex Deal" allegations as untrue, clarifying through a Facebook post on August 21, 2024, that An had simply transitioned to become a Rolex ambassador after leaving the association. This move came on the heels of An's criticism of the association's restrictions on players having only one sole sponsor, conflicting with the association's official sponsors or badminton equipment providers.
The association's spokesperson emphasized that athletes are allowed to sign individual sponsorship agreements as long as they do not directly compete with the association's sponsors. Samsung Life Insurance stands as An's official sponsor as listed on the association's website, dispelling any claims of an exclusive deal with Rolex. The spokesperson reiterated that no such information had been relayed to the association regarding An's alleged agreement with the luxury brand.
Despite the controversy, An remains a prominent figure in Korean badminton, highlighted by her gold medal victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The heated debate around her alleged dealings with Rolex has prompted the Korea Badminton Association to conduct internal reviews of athlete sponsorship agreements, ensuring transparency and fairness within the sport.
Misinformation can often overshadow the hard work and dedication of athletes like An Se Young. The clarifications from Rolex and the Korea Badminton Association serve as a reminder to approach rumors with caution and prioritize the truth in the ever-evolving world of sports.