Danish Badminton: Mikkel Mikkelsen Transitions to Coaching Role at National Elite Training Center

Brøndby, Denmark – Former elite badminton player Mikkel Mikkelsen has been appointed as a coach at the National Elite Training Center (NETC) in Denmark, Badminton Denmark announced this week. The 33-year-old will assist in doubles training during peak periods, leveraging his extensive experience as a player and coach.

From Player to Mentor

Mikkelsen, born May 22, 1992, in Copenhagen, has a distinguished career in both mixed doubles and men’s doubles. He achieved a bronze medal in mixed doubles at the 2022 European Badminton Championships alongside Rikke Søby Hansen. He too reached the final of the YONEX Belgian International in 2023 with Søby.

NETC Welcomes Experienced Coach

We are very happy to have Mikkel Mikkelsen attached to the National Elite Training Center. Since Anders Kristiansen took over responsibility for our women’s doubles category, we have needed an extra hand in our doubles training. With the employment of Mikkel, we will have the opportunity to maintain continuity and a common thread in the training during the periods when our doubles coaches are out for tournaments.

Jens Meibom, Head of Sport and Elite in Badminton Denmark

The appointment addresses a need for additional support in doubles training, particularly when coaches are away for tournaments. Mikkelsen’s recent experience as a player at NETC and his current role as a coach in Hvidovre were key factors in the decision.

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 sure that he will be able to capture care of and contribute to the doubles training at NETC.

Jens Meibom, Head of Sport and Elite in Badminton Denmark

Mikkelsen Expresses Enthusiasm

It is of course a big pat on the back and a big gift that I have been hired here and my time here is something I really look forward to. I can contribute that it has not been that long ago that I myself have been here at NETC and myself stood on the field in this setup and training environment. So it is certainly a facilitate that I come almost straight from the field.

Mikkel Mikkelsen

Key Achievements

• 2022 European Championships: Bronze medal in Mixed Doubles with Rikke Søby Hansen.
• YONEX Belgian International 2023: Finalist in Mixed Doubles with Rikke Søby Hansen.
• Portugal International 2016: Mixed Doubles Title with Mai Surrow.
• Slovenia International 2016: Mixed Doubles Title with Mai Surrow.

Mikkelsen has over 260 career wins across disciplines, demonstrating his consistent performance on the international circuit.

Looking Ahead

This appointment represents another step in optimizing the training environment at NETC, according to Badminton Denmark. The organization expressed gratitude to Hvidovre Badminton Club for their cooperation.