Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen announces retirement from badminton at 32

The two-time Olympic gold medalist revealed that a persistent and recurring back injury has left him unable to maintain the physical standards required for elite-level play.

"Accepting this situation has been incredibly difficult," he said in a social media statement. "But I have now reached a point where my body won't allow me to continue."

He explained that despite undergoing surgery in April 2025, the pain returned and became unmanageable.

"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 told Badminton Europe. "They say that with the pain I am experiencing now, it could potentially require another surgery, and if that does not go well, even a more serious procedure might be necessary.

"So, it is simply my body telling me to stop, and I have to follow the advice of my doctors."

Viktor Axelsen competes in the men's singles final of the Paris Olympics against Kunlavut Vitidsarn on Aug 5, 2024. Photo by Reuters

The retirement marks the conclusion of one of the most dominant eras in men's singles history. Axelsen held the world number one ranking for 183 weeks, a feat surpassed only by Malaysian legend Lee Chong Wei (310 weeks). Known for his tall frame (1.94 m), Axelsen redefined the physical profile of the sport, combining immense power and reach with a near-perfect tactical control that allowed him to dominate any opponent.

Axelsen's career peaked with the historic back-to-back Olympic gold medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Combined with his bronze medal from Rio 2016, he retires as the most decorated Olympic men's singles player in history, surpassing Chinese legend Lin Dan.

His trophy cabinet also includes two World Championship titles and multiple European Championship victories.

Beyond the titles, Axelsen is also highly regarded for his professionalism and progressive spirit. He once shared his childhood dream of becoming the world's number one badminton player, and he has pursued that goal throughout his career.

"I have given everything to this sport. It has never been just a career to me. It has been my life and I have left no stone unturned," he added.