Victor Axelsen, who defeated Kulwut Vitidsarn in the men's singles badminton final at the 2024 Olympics, has announced his retirement after suffering from a long-term back injury.
On 15 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Victor Axelsen, former world number one badminton player and two-time Olympic gold medalist who defeated Kulwut Vitidsarn in the men's singles final at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France, announced his retirement due to a longstanding back injury.
Victor Axelsen stated, "This is an easy day for me to decide. Due to chronic back pain, I can no longer compete or train at a high level. After undergoing arthroscopic surgery, multiple injections, and changing my training methods several times, I have tried every possible way to relieve the pain for a long time until I was advised to focus on my long-term health."
"Accepting this situation is incredibly difficult, but now my body no longer allows me to continue. I want to thank the doctors, specialists, and coaches who tried to find solutions. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me all along, including the Danish Badminton Association, my club NAS, my family—my father, mother, wife, children—and the fans."
"Although this marks my farewell as a badminton player, I will remain connected to the sport in some capacity. I have devoted everything to badminton, and badminton has given everything back to me, with love and gratitude."