The retirement of former Olympic silver medallist Carsten Mogensen brings the curtains down on the international career of one of the last great names spanning the Superseries era.
His announcement came two months after a similar decision by his former partner Mathias Boe.
Mogensen 36, said in a statement that he had originally planned to play until 2024, but changed his mind as he couldn’t see himself in Badminton Denmark’s new programme.
Mogensen celebrates winning his first match on return from brain surgery
“Unfortunately, I can’t find a project where I can see myself. I had hoped to play until 2024, but of course it should be in a project where I can see myself. On the other hand, I respect that Badminton Denmark has chosen to prioritise the young players in a longer perspective. It’s sad to have to leave, but I will continue to play in the league and spend time at my sporting goods store, so fortunately I have plenty to do. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have helped me throughout my career. It has meant a lot,” said Mogensen.
While Mogensen will be remembered for many feats alongside long-term partner Mathias Boe, his most remarkable achievement will be his comeback to top-flight badminton from a brain aneurysm that he suffered in February 2016. Following emergency surgery, Mogensen made a determined return to the circuit at the Indonesia Open, and in fact produced a brilliant display in his first competitive match, beating young guns Li Jun Hui and Liu Yu Chen in straight games.
Boe and Mogensen on the podium at London 2012.
The Boe/Mogensen duo then conquered the US Open, made the semifinals at home in Denmark, before – stunningly – claiming a Superseries crown at the French Open, sealing one of the great comebacks in badminton. Quite remarkably, the Danes made two more title rounds, before qualifying for the Dubai World Superseries Finals.
Mogensen and Boe employed a clever style of badminton, less dependent on outright power than on subtle variations, placement and domination of the quick exchanges. Their tactical brilliance saw them consistently in the top five of the rankings over the last decade, matching wits with the likes of fellow-greats Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng, Lee Yong Dae/Jung Jae Sung, Lee Yong Dae/Yoo Yeon Seong, Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan, Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong, and others. Well into their 30s, their tactical acumen helped them outplay far younger pairs.
Among their many successes, the standout achievements include silver at the London Olympics 2012 and the World Championships 2013, hat-trick at the World Superseries Finals (2010, 2011, 2012), and two All England titles.
Career Highlights
Olympic Games – Silver (2012)
World Championships – Silver (2013)
All England – Winner (2011, 2015)
Other Major Honours
World Superseries Finals – Winner (2010, 2011, 2012)
French Open – Winner (2010, 2014, 2016)
European Championships – Gold (2012, 2017)
Denmark Open – Winner (2010)
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