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Reuters

Agence France-Presse

Denmark’s double Olympic badminton champion Viktor Axelsen announced his retirement at 32 on Wednesday, saying back problems meant he could no longer “compete and train at the highest level”.
Axelsen, who won gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021 and again in Paris in 2024, had back surgery in April last year and said he had not managed to overcome his physical issues.
“Accepting this situation has been incredibly difficult,” he said in a statement.
“But I have now reached a point where my body won’t allow me to continue.”
Axelsen retires as one of the most decorated players in history, having also won two world titles and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

He spent more than 100 consecutive weeks at the top of the men’s singles world rankings, an achievement surpassed only by Malaysian great Lee Chong-wei.
Standing at 1.94m (six foot four inches) and making full use of his giant wingspan, Axelsen redefined what a player could do on the court.
He said he had “accomplished everything I once dreamed of, and more”.
“What makes it hardest to say goodbye is not the competition itself, but everything around it: the journey, the daily grind, the people,” he said.
Axelsen speaks Chinese and is a popular figure in China.
He regularly posts about his professional and family life on online Chinese platforms.
News of his retirement sparked a wave of reaction in the country, and was among the most discussed on the social media platform Weibo on Wednesday afternoon.
“A true legend of badminton bids farewell,” wrote one user.
“He was not only a king on the court, but also won countless hearts with his humble and friendly attitude.”
Axelsen won Olympic gold at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games in 2021 without dropping a single game all tournament.
He beat China’s Chen Long in the final, becoming the first non-Asian to claim the title since 1996.
He sobbed in disbelief after Chen hit his final shot long, then regained his composure to take a courtside phone call from Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik.

He followed that up by defending his title at the Paris Games, emulating his hero Lin Dan by winning back-to-back Olympic golds.
He then began to struggle with injuries and spent prolonged periods off the court.
“I have given everything to this sport,” he said.
“It has never been just a career to me. It has been my life and I have left no stone unturned.”
Axelsen retires as only the second non-Asian player after countryman Thomas Lund to win the world title twice, which he achieved in 2017 and 2022.
He won the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals three times in a row from 2021 to 2023.


Badminton ‘true legend’ and China favourite Viktor Axelsen retires at 32 over back issues

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Badminton World Federation (BWF)

Viktor Axelsen of Denmark won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024, retaining the singles title he won at the Tokyo Games. Photo: Reuters

Viktor Axelsen, seen here against Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk-yiu at the India Open last year, used his height and giant wingspan to good effect. Photo: EPA-EFE

Viktor Axelsen cries after winning the Tokyo Olympic final against China’s Chen Long. Photo: EPA-EFE

Tang Chun Man (left) and Tse Ying Suet, seen here at last month’s All England Open, were knocked out of the Badminton Asia Championships by China’s Chen Xing and Zhang Chi on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Tse Ying-suet and Tang Chun-man won their sixth Hong Kong Sports Stars Award last month. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hong Kong star Lee hoping home crowd will roar her on to more cycling glory

Ceci Lee said she had no specific target for this week’s UCI Track World Cup event in Hong Kong. Photo: Edmond So

Ceci Lee claimed two bronze medals at the previous World Cup leg in Perth. Photo: Edmond So

Head coach Herve Dagorne said the primary focus was Olympic qualification and the Asian Games. Photo: Edmond So

Sport

Other Sport

The 32-year-old Dane, who also won two world titles, says he is ‘no longer able to compete and train at the highest ‌level’


The 32-year-old Dane, who also won two world titles, says he is ‘no longer able to compete and train at the highest ‌level’.


Viktor Axelsen

Badminton ‘true legend’ and China favourite Viktor Axelsen retires at 32 over back issues

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The 32-year-old Dane, who also won two world titles, says he is ‘no longer able to compete and train at the highest ‌level’

The 32-year-old Dane, who also won two world titles, says he is ‘no longer able to compete and train at the highest ‌level’