Ep 13: Balancing Identity and Injury in Sports - Why Viktor Axelsen can't play the 2025 World Champs

In this episode of the Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen discuss Viktor's rehabilitation journey after injury, the mental challenges of managing identity while not competing, and the decision-making process regarding his participation in the upcoming 2025 BWF World Championships. They also delve into new badminton rules, the launch of Viktor's new racket line, and the financial aspects of being a professional badminton player. The conversation wraps up with predictions for the World Championships and insights on how to grow the sport of badminton. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter 02:25 Rehabilitation Journey and Progress 07:51 Managing Identity During Injury 10:58 Mental Challenges and Routine Maintenance 16:19 Decision-Making Process for Withdrawal 21:52 Future Plans and Sponsorship Dynamics 24:32 Adapting to Change in Badminton 24:58 The Introduction of Shot Clocks 26:36 Umpiring Challenges with New Rules 28:13 Trialling New Match Formats 30:00 Excitement for the VA Range Launch 32:38 Engaging the Next Generation of Players 34:30 The Financial Landscape of Badminton 36:55 The Future of Badminton and Its Growth 39:24 The Best Viewing Angles for Badminton 41:40 Predictions for the World Championships Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdl... Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Instagram:   / theaveragenotaverage   YouTube:    / @theaveragenotaveragepodcast   CK's YouTube Channel:    / @ckyew   Viktor's YouTube Channel:    / @viktoraxelsen7830   CK's Instagram:   / ckyew_official   Viktor's Instagram:   / viktoraxelsen