KUALA LUMPUR – Two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen has confirmed that he has separated from his wife, Natalia Koch Rohde.
The Dane revealed the news on social media on Tuesday evening, saying the decision to part ways was made on amicable terms.
“Life doesn’t always go as planned. Natalia and I have decided to part ways on good terms,” Axelsen wrote.
“Our primary focus will be on our two amazing girls and being the best possible parents for them during this difficult time.”
The announcement comes just over a week after Axelsen pulled out of the BWF World Championships, which take place later this month in Paris. The 31-year-old had cited his physical readiness and a need to prioritise his well-being after undergoing a back surgery.
Axelsen married Natalia, a former Danish international shuttler, in March 2021. The couple have two daughters: Vega, born in 2020, and Aya, born in 2022. They had relocated to Dubai after Axelsen’s Olympic triumph in Tokyo in 2021, where he established his training base.
Natalia, herself an accomplished player with several international titles, has long been part of the badminton world. Her father, Henrik Rohde, was involved in coaching Axelsen before the former world No.1 appointed another Danish legend, Peter Gade, to join his team.
The separation with Natalia marks another turning point in what has already been a turbulent year for Axelsen. His decision to skip the World Championships — one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments — was seen as a major blow for the BWF’s flagship event.
Axelsen, however, has insisted his focus now lies firmly on his daughters.
“Our primary focus will be on our two amazing girls,” he wrote.
“We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and we don’t have any further comments.”
The Dane has been badminton’s dominant force over the last five years, winning Olympic gold in both Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024.
Yet the latest developments highlight the personal challenges faced by one of the sport’s greatest figures. While Axelsen has made it clear that family comes first, questions remain over how this period may affect his preparations for the next Olympic cycle and his long-term career. – Aug 20, 2025