Two-time Olympic and world champion Danish badminton star Viktor Axelsen announced his retirement on Wednesday, saying his injury-hit body has finally told him to ‘stop’. The 32-year-old has not played since October last year due to a persistent back injury that required surgery and led to chronic pain.
“As most people know, I have been struggling with my back for quite some time. After I had surgery in April last year and went through a long rehabilitation process, I, unfortunately, suffered a setback in October,” Axelsen said.
“Since those tournaments, I have not been able to play or train at the level required. I have been in pain and that is why I am, unfortunately, forced to make this extremely difficult decision,” he said.
Axelsen, a three-time European champion and former world No. 1 for 183 weeks—the third-longest reign in badminton history—said doctors had warned that continuing could require another surgery.
The Dane, who has also managed asthma throughout his career, won back-to-back Olympic gold medals at the Tokyo and Paris Games, and secured world championship titles in 2017 and 2022. He was also part of Denmark’s multiple European team championship victories.
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“The decision has been made in consultation with the surgeon who operated on me last year, as well as the doctors I have been working with,” he said.
“They have told me that with the pain I am experiencing now, it could potentially require another surgery, and if that does not go well, even more serious procedures might be necessary. In any case, it would mean I would not be able to compete at the level required. So it is simply my body telling me to stop, and I have to follow medical advice,” added the shuttler, whose last competitive appearance came at the Denmark Open in October 2025.
Despite the difficult end, Axelsen said he would look back on his career with pride and gratitude.
“Making this decision has been extremely difficult and at times felt unfair. At the same time, my body has done an incredible job over many years, and I feel privileged to have played, trained and won so many major tournaments at the highest level,” he said. “Very few get to experience what I have experienced and meet so many wonderful people. That is why I look back on my career with joy,” he added.
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