World badminton legend Viktor Axelsen is now spending more time with his family and pursuing investment business after deciding to retire from professional badminton due to a chronic back injury.
The former world's best men's singles player from Denmark said his life after hanging up his racket remains fairly regular even though he no longer follows the routine of a competitive athlete.
"Yes, my daily life is still quite structured. I try to spend as much time as possible with my two daughters," Axelsen said in an official statement while attending the "Celebrating the Legacy of Viktor Axelsen" meet-and-greet event at The Westin.
The 2020 and 2024 Olympic gold medalist admitted that he maintains his physical fitness by regularly exercising in between his activities as a father and businessman.
“When I’m not with them, I take them to school and then I still do physical exercise,” he said.
Axelsen officially ended his professional career in April 2026 at the age of 32 after his back injury continued to recur even after undergoing surgery.
The injury made it difficult for him to return to playing without pain, so he chose to prioritize his long-term health over continuing to compete.
Despite his retirement, Axelsen admits he hasn't completely abandoned the sport that made his name. However, he's not yet interested in pursuing a coaching career like many other former athletes.
"There's no plan right now to become a coach. I know I'll stay involved in the sport in some way, but I don't know yet what role," he said.
Instead of coaching, Axelsen has now begun to enjoy activities outside of badminton, including running an investment and risk management business with his partner who has a background in machine intelligence and risk analysis.
"We run a risk management business in terms of investments. It's something completely different, and I really enjoy it," said Axelsen.
In addition to developing his personal business, Axelsen is also still actively involved in various activities with sponsors who have supported his career journey, including Yonex, Monitor ERP, and HSBC.
Axelsen said that the relationships with the sponsors were built not only for professional interests, but also because of shared values in their work and daily lives.
