One key reason why Axelsen roped in Peter-Gade into his coaching team

Viktor Axelsen announced on Sunday that he has roped in former Danish great Peter Gade Christensen as part of his coaching team, with one of the key reasons to help the world number two play well into his 30s.

Axelsen made the announcement on his social media page to announce Gade as the newest member of his coaching team, alongside his father-in-law Henrik PK Rohde who has been his main coach on the World Tour events.

The appointment of Gade, a former world number one and 2001 World Championships silver medalist, is a strategic move to help the 30-year-old Axelsen play at the highest level for the next few years.

“I was fortunate to practice with Peter for the last parts of his career and with Peter’s badminton knowledge combined with his experience playing into his 30s, I am confident that he will be able to help me tackle some of the challenges I will face moving forward,” said Axelsen.

Gade retired in 2013 at the age of 35 after an illustrious career, during which he even managed to beat Axelsen in their only competitive match back in 2011.

Since retiring, the 47-year-old Gade set-up the Yonex Peter Gade Academy and has been busy doing ambassadorial work for the badminton brand.

With several years of high quality badminton left in him, Axelsen looks to have pulled a masterstroke move to bring his countryman into his team as the two-time Olympic champ aims to continue dominating the men’s singles arena.