PETALING JAYA: Denmark’s men’s singles star Viktor Axelsen can step away from the sport with pride after achieving almost everything badminton has to offer.
The 32-year-old has been forced to call time on his career as he continues to struggle with a recurring back injury.
Over two decades in the sport, Axelsen built an outstanding career, winning major titles and establishing himself among the game’s greats.
Few may realise that he also competed in the men’s doubles early in his career, partnering Steffen Rasmussen.
He first made his mark in 2011 when he finished runner-up at the World Junior Championships in Taipei, losing to Zulfadli Zulkiffli. From there, he rose steadily through the ranks to stand alongside some of the biggest names in the sport.
Throughout his career, Axelsen competed against legends such as Lee Chong Wei, Lin Dan, Chen Long and Kento Momota. He won the World Championships twice – in Glasgow in 2017 and again in Tokyo in 2022.
Axelsen also made history as the first European men’s singles player to defend an Olympic gold medal, winning back-to-back titles at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
“Since I was young, I set extremely high standards for myself. Every decision I made was about becoming the best athlete I could be,” said Axelsen.
“To many, I may have seemed ‘extreme’, but I was always afraid of looking back and feeling I could have done more. Living this way comes at a price – but it’s one I was willing to pay. I have no regrets.
“Looking back, I feel a deep sense of pride, but even more than that, gratitude. I’ve achieved everything I once dreamed of, and more. I’ve had the privilege of competing on the biggest stages and winning the matches every player dreams of.
“Badminton has taught me lessons beyond sport – about discipline, sacrifice, resilience, and who I am as a person.’’
Before announcing his retirement, the former world No. 1 had tried everything to return from injury, but continued to experience pain whenever he competed.
His final match came at the French Open in October last year, where he lost in the quarter-finals to fellow Dane Anders Antonsen.
“Due to my recurring back issues, I’m no longer able to train and compete at the highest level.
“After surgery, injections, new training methods and trying everything to stay pain-free, I’ve been advised to focus on my long-term health.
“Accepting this has been incredibly difficult, but I’ve reached a point where my body simply won’t allow me to continue,” he said.
