PETALING JAYA: Two-time badminton world champion and 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Viktor Axelsen has dropped a bombshell as he announced his separation with wife Natalia Koch Rohde.

The Danish star revealed the news on social media on Tuesday (Aug 19), saying the decision was mutual.

“Life doesn’t always go as planned. Natalia and I have decided to part ways on good terms.

“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,” wrote Axelsen.

Before marrying Axelsen, Rohde was a Danish women’s singles player who reached a career-high ranking of world No. 35 and won several titles.

Axelsen and Rohde welcomed their first daughter, Vega, in October 2020 and tied the knot five months later.

After clinching the Olympic gold medal in Tokyo in 2021, the couple moved to Dubai, where Axelsen established his training base.

They welcomed their second daughter, Aya, in 2022.

Earlier, Axelsen announced that he would not be competing in the World Championships in Paris next week as he is still struggling with a back injury.