Two-time Olympic gold medalist and world champion Viktor Axelsen called time on his badminton career on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old made the announcement on his official social media platforms, citing his recurrent back issues as the main reason.
“After undergoing endoscopic surgery, multiple injections, new training methods, treatments, and basically trying everything to become pain-free for a long time now, I have been advised to focus on my long-term health,” he wrote.
“Accepting this situation has been incredibly difficult. But I have now reached a point where my body won’t allow me to continue.”
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Axelsen expressed pride in his achievements and reassured everyone that he will remain involved in the sport moving forward.
“Looking back, I feel a deep sense of pride, but even more than that, gratitude,” he added.
“I have accomplished everything I once dreamed of, and more. I’ve had the privilege of standing on the biggest stages, playing and winning the matches every player dreams of.
“And through it all, badminton has taught me lessons that go far beyond sport, lessons about discipline, sacrifice, resilience, and who I am as a person.
“While this is a goodbye to Viktor Axelsen the badminton player, I am not saying goodbye to the sport infinitely. I will always be around one way or the other.
“I gave everything to badminton and badminton gave me everything back.”
He also thanked everyone who was part of his journey including badminton fans.
The Dane’s final BWF World Tour appearance came at the 2025 French Open, where he lost to Shi Yu Qi in the semi-finals.
He also featured at the BXL Jakarta 2025, marking his last competitive outing before announcing his retirement.
He became the latest high-profile player to step away from the badminton court this year after Carolina Marin.
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