In a move that has sent shockwaves through the badminton community, two-time Olympic gold medalist Viktor Axelsen has announced his separation from his wife, Natalia Koch Rohde. The Danish star, a dominant force in men’s singles, shared the news via a heartfelt post on his X (formerly Twitter) social media account, stating that the couple had decided to “part ways on good terms.” The announcement was made on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
The post, which quickly garnered thousands of reactions, highlighted the couple’s primary focus on their two young daughters during this difficult time. “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. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and we don’t have any further comments.”
Axelsen, 31, and Rohde, 30, have been together for several years and are parents to two daughters, Vega, born in October 2020, and Aya, born in October 2022. Rohde is a former Danish national badminton player herself, having retired from the sport in 2018 due to injuries. The couple’s family life has often been a topic of public interest, with Axelsen frequently crediting his wife and daughters as his biggest motivation.
The news comes at a pivotal time for Axelsen, who has been grappling with a recurring injury that has forced him to withdraw from the upcoming BWF World Championships, scheduled for August 25-31 in Paris, France. His statement did not link the separation to his professional career, but many fans are concerned about the impact this personal news will have on his future on the court.
Axelsen is widely regarded as one of the greatest male badminton players of all time, with a trophy cabinet that includes two Olympic gold medals (2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris), two World Championship titles (2017 and 2022), and numerous other accolades. His long-standing success has been attributed to his relentless work ethic, disciplined training regimen, and the strong support system he has often spoken about, which included his family.
The separation marks a significant personal change for the athlete, who had previously described his family as “the secret to his success.” The couple’s journey together has been followed by fans worldwide, from their early days of dating to the birth of their children. While the news is saddening to many, the public response has largely been one of respect and support for the couple’s decision and their plea for privacy.