Double Olympic gold medallist Viktor ⁠Axelsen retired ⁠from professional badminton ⁠on Wednesday, saying he was no longer able to train and compete at the highest level following back surgery in April last year.

The Dane, spent more than 100 consecutive weeks as world No 1, a mark surpassed in total duration only by Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei, and won Olympic gold in Tokyo and Paris, as ⁠well as a bronze in Rio in 2016.

The 32-year-old Dane, who also won two world titles, says he is ‘no longer able to compete and train at the highest ‌level’. He ‌won world championship titles in 2017 and 2022.

“Today is not an easy day ‌for me. Due to my recurrent back issues, ⁠I ⁠am no longer able to compete and train at the highest ‌level,” he said in a statement on social media.

“Accepting this situation has ‌been ‌incredibly difficult. But I have now reached a ‌point where my body won’t allow me to continue.

“Since ⁠the day I picked up a racquet, I knew ⁠my dream was to become the best in the world,” Axelsen added.

“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.”

Speaking earlier to Badminton Europe, the sport’s official governing body in Europe, the Dane said he had 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 had a setback in October,” he said. “Since those tournaments, I have not been able to play or train at the level required. I have not been able to play or train due to pain, and that is why I am unfortunately forced to make this extremely difficult decision.”

He said the recurring issues and risk of further surgery ultimately led to his decision.

“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. 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,” said Axelsen, who was also a four-time European champion.

“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 the advice of my doctors.”

While the announcement marks the end of his playing career, Axelsen said he would remain in the sport, but in another capacity.

Credits: BWF/SCMP