Viktor Axelsen Retires from Badminton at 32

Danish badminton star Viktor Axelsen has retired from the sport at the age of 32 due to ongoing back problems. Despite efforts to recover, including surgery, his body no longer allows him to compete at a high level.

Axelsen’s struggles with injuries began after winning his second Olympic gold medal. These issues forced him to take extended breaks from competition.

A legend in badminton, Axelsen won two Olympic golds (Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024) and two World Championships. He was one of the few players to win back-to-back Olympic titles. His total time as world number one was 183 weeks, a record surpassed only by Lee Chong Wei.

Axelsen’s height (6 feet 4 inches) and reach changed the game. He became famous for his aggressive style and strong presence on court. Off the court, he was known for his Mandarin skills, which he developed as a joke but later used to connect with Chinese players and fans.

Reflecting on his career, Axelsen said he had achieved all his goals but found it emotionally difficult to retire. “What makes it hardest is not just the competition, but everything around it—the journey, the people,” he shared.

Axelsen’s ability to speak fluent Mandarin earned him a nickname in China: “An Sai Long” or “calm competitive dragon.” He has over 1 million followers on Weibo, showing his global appeal and influence in badminton.