By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
At the age of 32, two badminton greats have announced their retirements in less than a month.
After Carolina Marin’s retirement last month, Viktor Axelsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest shuttlers of the modern era, on Wednesday also quit badminton.
“Today is not an easy day for me,” Axelsen said in a statement. “Due to my recurrent back issues, I am no longer able to compete and train at the highest level. Accepting this situation has been incredibly difficult. But I have now reached a point where my body won’t allow me to continue,” he said.
Last month, Carolina Marin (32) had announced her retirement leaving a legacy as one of the all-time greats. Marin, an Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion, announced her retirement due to a persistent knee injury on March 26.
The 32-year-old Axelsen won consecutive gold medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. He also secured World Championships titles in 2017 and 2022. He also won a bronze in the Rio Olympics.
Axelsen will be remembered in India for the thrilling semifinal match against Almora boy Lakshya Sen in the Paris Olympics 2024. After trailing in the first set, Axelsen showed his superiority and made an astonishing comeback to defeat Sen 22-20, 21-14, a victory that eventually gave him Gold in the final.
Sen penned an emotional tribute to two-time Olympic champion Axelsen following his retirement saying badminton will remember him as “one of the greatest to ever play the game”.
Born on January 4, 1994, in Odense, Denmark, Axelsen showed an early inclination toward the sport and quickly rose through the ranks with his exceptional talent, discipline, and work ethic. His journey from a young enthusiast to an Olympic champion is an inspiring story of perseverance and dedication.
Axelsen first gained international attention when he won the boys’ singles title at the 2010 World Junior Championships, becoming the first European to achieve this feat. This victory marked the beginning of his rise in global badminton. Over the years, he steadily improved his game, combining physical strength, agility, and strategic intelligence to compete against the traditionally dominant Asian players.
One of the defining moments of his career came at the 2017 BWF World Championships, where he won the gold medal in men’s singles. This victory established him as a top contender in international badminton. However, his greatest achievement came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), where he clinched the gold medal by defeating China’s Chen Long in the final. His dominant performance throughout the tournament showcased his peak form and cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s elites.
Axelsen’s playing style is characterized by powerful smashes, precise footwork, and remarkable court coverage. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, his height had given him a natural advantage, allowing him to generate steep angles and control rallies effectively. Beyond physical attributes, his mental strength and calm demeanor under pressure used to set him apart from his competitors. He was known for his analytical approach to the game, often studying opponents and continuously refining his techniques.
Another notable aspect of Axelsen’s career was his commitment to self-improvement and cultural adaptability. He spent time training in Asia, particularly in countries like China and Dubai, to enhance his skills and learn from the best.
Off the court, Axelsen is admired for his humility and professionalism. He serves as a role model for aspiring athletes, especially in Europe, where badminton is still growing compared to Asia.