*A quick heads up! Alex and Kestutis’s connection occasionally breaks up throughout the episode, so you may see them come in and out of the frame at certain times. We apologise for the technical issue and appreciate your understanding!

In this exclusive episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, we’re joined by recent 2026 BWF World Champion of men’s singles, Alex Lanier, and his coach Kestutis Navickas. We delve into the victory and preparations leading up to it, the rise of French badminton, and insights behind their success. Tune in to hear all about training, the coach-athlete relationship, mental resilience, equipment, federation support, future goals and more.

Chapter Timestamps:

00:40 Intro & Post-Victory Check-In

03:13 Processing Becoming World Champions

12:10 How The World Title Was Built (Season Plan)

22:51 Staying Ahead Of Opponents

25:48 Support From The French Federation

33:12 World Championships Reflection

49:59 Reflecting On Alex’s Season

57:34 Alex’s Equipment Of Choice

1:04:22 Post-Championships Attention

1:06:13 Mindset Of Continuous Improvement

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- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/

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Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here:

- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ

- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg

- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/

- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

You can also find our conversations on:

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen sit down with Ben Lee - former Olympian, 9-time US National Champion, founder of Synergy Badminton Academy, and one of the most influential figures in American badminton.

Together, they explore Ben's journey through more than four decades in the sport, from competing at the Olympic Games to building one of North America's leading badminton academies. They discuss the realities of running a successful sports business, growing badminton in the US, sponsorships, facility management, and the lessons Ben has learned from developing players, scaling a business, and helping shape the future of the sport.

Chapter Timestamps:

00:42 Introduction To Ben Lee

03:30 Barcelona 1992 (First Olympic Badminton Appearance)

08:27 London 2012 & How Olympics Has Evolved

11:08 How Synergy Badminton Began & Grew

18:58 Biggest Costs Of Running A Badminton Academy

24:19 Why Passion Matters In Business

25:43 Long-Term Sustainability

30:29 The Team Behind Synergy Badminton

34:02 Scaling Synergy Badminton

39:40 Badminton Clubs In Europe

45:53 How Badminton Clubs Make Profit

47:16 Misconceptions Of Running An Academy

48:25 How To Balance Family, Life & Business Together

53:54 Costs & Considerations Of Setting Up A Badminton Facility

57:12 Quality Control & Maintaining Playing Surfaces

1:03:27 How Badminton Synergy Evolved

1:07:52 CK’s Path To Badminton Media

1:11:56 When Ben Started Synergy

1:12:40 Sponsorships & Player Support

Follow us on social media for more content!

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage

Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here:

- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ

- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg

- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/

- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

You can also find our conversations on:

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen sit down with Sports Psychologist, Muhammad Deen, who shares insights on high performance psychology, mental resilience, and applying sports psychology principles to everyday life and leadership. They discuss mental resilience, cultural differences, and practical strategies for managing pressure, developing self-awareness, raising young athletes, and building trust within teams.

To learn more about Muhammad’s work, check out his website here: https://www.mdperformpsych.com/

Chapter Timestamps:

00:39 Introduction to Muhammad Deen

03:47 How Muhammad & Viktor Met

05:58 Journey to Sports Psychology

10:30 Cultural Differences & Emotional Openness

16:30 Parents, Pressure & Junior Athlete Development

26:47 Coping With Sensitive Situations As A Sports Psychologist

31:33 Communication Between Athletes, Coaches & Psychologists

33:23 Trust & Athlete’s Inner Circle

38:40 Handling Pressure & Performance Nerves

47:39 Building Mental Resilience Through Training

49:17 Self-Awareness, Self-Belief & Reflection

59:54 Why Sports Psychology Needs Greater Investment

1:07:47 Where To Find Muhammad

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- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage

Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here:

- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ

- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg

- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/

- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

You can also find our conversations on:

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

*A quick heads up! From around 55:00 onwards, Selena's audio occasionally falls out of sync with the video. We apologise for the technical issue and appreciate your understanding!

In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew sits down with three-time Olympian, Selena Piek. Selena shares her journey of being an elite badminton player to being recently retired from elite sport. Discussions include insights on financial management, career transition, the business side of badminton and how we can grow the sport globally.

Photo Credit For Thumbnail: @badminton.21 (Instagram)

Chapter Timestamps:

00:32 Introduction to Selena Piek & Transitioning Out of Professional Sport

05:50 Financial Realities of Elite Athletes

12:28 Income as an Elite Athlete

19:31 Lessons Learned from Experience

28:55 Negotiating Contracts & Sponsorships

37:00 Growing the Pie: A Better Approach to Negotiation

40:47 The Commercial Landscape of Badminton

45:41 Viktor’s Transparency & Professionalism

51:46 Characteristics of Top Athletes

56:36 Engaging New Audiences in Badminton & Learning From World Cup

1:05:39 Collaborative Efforts for Growth

1:13:30 Commentating Badminton

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- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage

Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here:

- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ

- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg

- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

You can also find our conversations on:

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, Viktor Axelsen and CK Yew are joined by Sean Casey - registered dietitian, physical preparation coach, proactive health specialist, and someone who has played a huge role throughout Viktor’s career over many years working together at the highest level of sport.

Together, they dive into performance optimisation, recovery, nutrition, injury prevention, holistic health, and what it really takes to consistently perform at an elite level. Sean also shares stories from his journey working alongside Viktor, lessons learned from decades in the performance space, advice for everyday athletes, and the realities of balancing health, business, travel, and high performance all at once.

Chapter Timestamps:

00:36 Introduction To Sean Casey

01:42 How Viktor & Sean Met

05:44 Sean’s Initial Role & First Assessments

08:46 Why Viktor Knew Sean Was The Right Fit

10:26 Sean’s Decision To Focus On Viktor

12:28 Living Together in Copenhagen

16:10 How Badminton Has Evolved

20:35 Viktor’s Physical Transformation

24:36 What To Look For in A Performance Expert

27:30 Setbacks & Trusting The Process

29:29 Measurements Of Progress

35:55 Viktor & Sean’s Working Dynamic

39:51 How Sean Built His Skill Set

46:16 Sean’s Brand

51:54 Thoughts On Wearable Tech

01:00:26 What Brings Joy Outside Of Work

Follow us on social media for more content!

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/

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Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here:

- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ

- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg

- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/

- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

You can also find our conversations on:

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

In this episode, Tanisha Crasto shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Dubai to becoming an Olympic badminton player for India. She discusses the challenges of moving countries, the mental resilience required at the highest level, and her experiences on the road to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Tanisha shares her inspiring journey through challenges like alopecia, injuries and family health scares, exploring topics including mental toughness, the business side of sport, and the behind-the-scenes of professional badminton.Chapter Timestamps:

00:40 Introduction To Tanisha Crasto

03:05 Growing up in Dubai & Transition to India

06:52 Challenges of Being an Outsider

11:16 Journey to the Olympics with Ashwini Ponnappa

18:39 Challenges during Olympic Qualification

28:30 Importance of Family Support

29:17 Doubles Partnerships & Team Dynamics

36:42 Memorable Matches & Achievements

41:36 Overcoming Bad Days & Self Doubt

47:12 Alopecia & Resilience

52:20 Playing Doubles with PV Sindhu

54:56 The Evolution of the Badminton Game

58:41 Equipment Choices & Sponsor Agreements

01:04:13 Getting Involved in Content Creation

01:08:44 The Business Side of Sport

01:14:40 Empowering the Next Generation

01:16:31 A Love For Adventure & Trying New ThingsFollow us on social media for more content!

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverageKeep in touch with CK & Viktor here:

- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ

- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg

- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/

- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/You can also find our conversations on:

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, Viktor Axelsen and CK Yew sit down with Tamara Geeraerts, Tournament Director of the Yonex German Open, to explore what really goes on behind the scenes of a professional BWF World Tour tournament.

From sponsorships, logistics, volunteers and broadcast production, to the pressure of the tournament week itself, Tamara shares the realities of organising one of Europe’s biggest badminton events and the countless moving parts fans never get to see.

Chapter Timestamps:

00:35 Introduction to Tamara Geeraerts

04:26 The Role of a BWF Tournament Director

06:20 How BWF Tournament Organisation Works

08:29 The Importance of Volunteers

11:41 People Needed to Run a BWF Tournament

14:03 Financial Aspects of Tournament Management

17:54 Sponsorship and Marketing Challenges

20:29 The Transition to Higher-Level Tournaments

27:05 The Future of Badminton Tournaments

29:06 The Challenges of Funding & Sponsorship

34:41 Understanding Tournament Costs & Budgets

36:56 The Complexity of Venue Management

42:37 Financial Realities of Tournament Organisation

44:32 The Unique Structure of Tournament Management in Germany

45:54 Insurance & Risk Management in Events

50:50 Navigating Sponsorship Categories & Restrictions

57:22 The Rewards and Challenges of Organising Tournaments

1:01:41 The Importance of Collaboration Among Tournament Directors

Follow us on social media for more content!

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage

Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here:

- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ

- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg

- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/

- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

You can also find our conversations on:

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, hosts CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen catch up on what they’ve been up to, including a health update from CK, and what Viktor’s life looks like after retiring from international badminton. They discuss the transition out of elite sport, the importance of recovery and health management, and future plans.**Chapter Timestamps:**00:45 Introduction 01:38 CK’s Health Update & Recovery Journey05:41 The Week Of Viktor’s Retirement Announcement09:29 Life After Badminton: Viktor's New Routine10:17 Viktor’s New Training Goals14:20 Reflections on the Thomas Cup18:55 Viktor On Staying Connected to Badminton19:40 The Mental Transition Out of Elite Sport23:28 Navigating Health Challenges26:21 The Importance of Patience in Recovery22:46 Nutritional Insights During Recovery30:06 Future Plans & Business Ventures37:33 CK’s Haircut Challenges40:02 Future Trips & Contributions to Para BadmintonFollow us on social media for more content!- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverageKeep in touch with CK & Viktor here:- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/You can also find our conversations on:- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew interviews Manak Kapoor, co-founder of Hndrd, a rapidly growing badminton brand. They discuss the intricacies of building a global sports brand, challenges in distribution, the importance of retailers, localisation strategies, and the future of badminton industry dynamics.

Chapter Timestamps:

00:47 Introduction to Manak Kapoor and Hndrd

02:50 Manak's Journey from Software to Sports

04:37 The Rapid Growth of Hndrd in Badminton

06:03 Challenges of Entering the Chinese Market

07:55 The Complexity of Product Distribution

11:25 Global Launch Strategies for Badminton Products

14:28 Estimating the Global Badminton Market Size

20:29 Revenue Disparities in Badminton vs Other Sports

22:58 The Future Goals of Hndrd

24:11 Localisation Challenges and Strategies

27:15 Product Line Diversity Across Markets

33:13 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in India

35:55 Cultural and Economic Differences in Europe

38:49 The Dominance of the Chinese Market in Badminton

40:35 Cultural Influences on Product Design

42:43 Challenges of Expanding in a Competitive Landscape

47:48 The Importance of Retailers in Badminton

53:33 Navigating Content Creation and Partnerships

55:53 The Value of Retailer Education

59:58 Navigating Copyright Challenges

01:01:41 Price Compression and Retail Dynamics

1:07:59 Stringing Challenges in Europe

01:13:42 Manak’s Top Lessons Learned in Business

01:22:01 Future Aspirations for BadmintonFollow us on social media for more content!

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverageKeep in touch with CK & Viktor here:

- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ

- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg

- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/

- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/You can also find our conversations on:

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

Viktor Axelsen opens up about his journey through injuries, his decision to step away from professional badminton, and what lies ahead in the next chapter of his life. This is a heartfelt and reflective conversation between CK Yew and Viktor, where Viktor expresses deep gratitude for the journey - from the people who supported him along the way to the experiences that shaped him both on and off the court. They also explore the sacrifices behind elite sport, the mental resilience required to stay at the top, and the lessons he’s learned throughout his career.

Chapter Timestamps:

00:41 Viktor Axelsen's Retirement Announcement

03:12 The Journey of Injuries and Challenges

11:01 Decision-Making and Support System

12:09 Future Plans and Partnerships

15:46 Reflections on Viktor’s Mindset & Career

21:17 Transitioning to Life After Badminton

23:37 Viktor’s Dedication To Excellence

24:56 Reflections on Early Career and Achievements

28:31 The Pursuit of Excellence in Training

33:47 The Role of Badminton Denmark in Viktor’s Journey

35:50 The Impact of NAS on Viktor’s Training

37:20 Building Relationships with Sponsors

39:18 The Importance of Friends and Family

46:01 Appreciation for Fans and Supporters

Follow us on social media for more content!

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage

Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here:

- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ

- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg

- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/

- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

You can also find our conversations on:

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw