THE LONG GOODBYE

Curtain finally falls on stellar career, as legend steps off the Olympic stage

Revered as the "Hexagon Warrior" by Japanese media, Ma Long has long been celebrated for his near-perfect mastery of six key attributes: power, speed, technique, serve, defense and experience.

On Friday, he clinched his sixth Olympic gold medal, a triumph that perfectly encapsulates his dominance in each of these areas, and seals his legendary status with a flawless final act on the Olympic stage.

Over the course of four Olympic Games, from London to Paris, Ma's journey has been one of transformation — evolving from sharp young paddler to an unshakable cornerstone of his team. At 35, he stands as a powerful symbol of how unwavering passion can defy the passage of time.