Brøndby, Denmark – Badminton Denmark has added former elite player and current Hvidovre coach, Mikkel Mikkelsen, to the coaching staff at the National Elite Training Center (NETC). Mikkelsen will assist with doubles training during peak periods, providing crucial support as the program prepares its athletes for international competition. The move underscores Badminton Denmark’s commitment to bolstering its coaching resources and maintaining continuity in its doubles programs.
The 33-year-traditional Mikkelsen brings a wealth of experience to the role, having competed at a high level in both men’s and mixed doubles throughout his career. His recent success as a coach with Hvidovre Badminton Klub further demonstrates his ability to develop players and implement effective training strategies. According to Badminton Denmark’s Elite and Sports Director, Jens Meibom, the addition of Mikkelsen is a strategic move to address a need within the doubles program.
“We are very pleased to have Mikkel Mikkelsen join the National Elite Training Center,” Meibom stated. “Since Anders Kristiansen took over responsibility for our women’s doubles category, we have been short-handed on our doubles training. With the appointment of Mikkel, we can maintain continuity and a consistent approach to training during periods when our doubles coaches are away at tournaments. Mikkel will therefore assist with doubles training during peak periods when we need extra help.”
Mikkelsen’s own experience as a player at NETC is expected to be a valuable asset. He understands the training environment and the demands placed on elite athletes. “It’s a huge compliment and a recognition of my work that I’ve been hired here, and I’m really looking forward to my time here,” Mikkelsen said. “I can contribute by the fact that it hasn’t been long since I was here at NETC myself and was on the court in this setup and training environment. So it’s definitely a help that I’m coming straight off the court.”
The timing of Mikkelsen’s appointment is particularly significant, following the recent departure of Jeppe Bay from the NETC. Bay, who partnered with Lasse Mølhede, announced his retirement from international competition in September 2023, citing a lack of motivation to continue at the highest level. Badminton Denmark subsequently made adjustments to its player roster, adding Mads Christophersen, Christian Faust Kjær, Daniel Lundgaard, Jesper Toft, and Clara Graversen to the elite program, whereas Mikkel Mikkelsen and Rikke Søby were released from the team.
Mikkelsen’s arrival is also seen as a positive step in ensuring a smooth transition for the doubles teams. The need for additional coaching support arose after Kristiansen assumed leadership of the women’s doubles program. Meibom emphasized Mikkelsen’s positive reputation within the training environment and his ability to contribute to the development of players.
“Mikkel is a very well-liked person in our training environment, and with his own experience – both as an elite player at NETC and as an elite coach in Hvidovre – we are confident that he will be able to both manage and contribute to the doubles training at NETC,” Meibom added. “Mikkel’s appointment is another optimization of our training environment, and we are pleased that he has been able to start already now. In that connection, I would like to thank Hvidovre Badminton Klub and chairman Carsten Werge once again, who have once again been accommodating when we have reached out to one of the club’s coaches. We greatly appreciate that.”
Mikkel Mikkelsen’s career highlights include winning mixed doubles titles at the Portugal International tournament in 2016, partnered with Mai Surrow. He also secured another title with Surrow at the Slovenia International tournament in May 2016. According to his Wikipedia profile, his highest ranking in mixed doubles was 27th, achieved in October 2022 while partnering with Rikke Søby Hansen.
The appointment of Mikkelsen signals Badminton Denmark’s proactive approach to maintaining a high-performance training environment. By leveraging the experience of former players like Mikkelsen, the organization aims to provide its athletes with the best possible support as they compete on the international stage. The focus now shifts to the upcoming tournaments and the continued development of the doubles teams under the guidance of Mikkelsen and Kristiansen.
Badminton Denmark will continue to assess its coaching needs and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the ongoing success of its elite program. The organization’s commitment to investing in its coaching staff underscores its dedication to remaining a leading force in the world of badminton.
What’s Next: The Danish national team will announce its roster for the upcoming European Championships in April. Fans can follow updates and results on the Badminton Denmark official website.
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