In this podcast episode, Kestutis Navickas, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen discussed the evolution of badminton, the importance of recovery, and the intersection of fashion and sports, highlighting the need for athletes to present themselves professionally, as fashion can enhance an athlete's public image. Both Viktor and Kestutis emphasise the importance of personal growth, teamwork, and the future of badminton as a competitive sport. Team dynamics and communication are essential for success.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introducing Kestutis Navickas, life at home, Paris and Dubai

09:48 Reflections on Past Matches and Competitors

09:50 Evolution of Elite Badminton Performance

19:22 The Importance of Recovery in Modern Badminton

19:51 Mental Fatigue in Modern Badminton

22:18 The Importance of Recovery

24:13 Coaching and Coordination in Badminton

27:13 Cultural Adaptation in Coaching

30:44 Recognition and Team Dynamics

33:28 Advice and Personal Growth

36:38 The Future of French Badminton

40:31 Fashion in Badminton

48:34 The Role of Image and Branding

Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK'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/

In this episode of the Average Not Average podcast, host CK Yew interviews professional badminton player Alex Lanier. They discuss Alex's recent holiday, his passion for golf, and his competitive spirit, especially in relation to his brother Theo. Alex shares insights into his daily routine as a professional badminton athlete, the pressures of being in the top 10 in the world, and the dynamics of his coaching relationship with Kestutis Navickas. The conversation also touches on Alex's love for chess, his preferences in his sports equipment and his badminton rackets, and a humorous anecdote about his aversion to bananas.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background08:51 Golf: A New Passion16:38 Chess: The Strategic Game18:31 Daily Routine and Training23:24 Transition to Top 10 and Pressure30:17 Team France and Support Structure31:20 The Competitive Edge: Pushing Each Other to Greatness36:16 Building a Strong Coach-Player Relationship41:18 Balancing Professionalism and Personal Connection50:46 The Evolution of Equipment: Racket Preferences58:16 Navigating Personal Challenges: The Banana DilemmaFollow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK'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/

This episode 18 of the Average on Average podcast, Viktor Axelsen discusses his recent experiences at the Denmark Open and his preparations for the French Open. He reflects on the emotional challenges of returning to competitive badminton after a long hiatus, the controversies surrounding his serving techniques, especially in the match again Shi Yu Qi and the balance between his professional commitments and family life. Viktor shares insights into his mindset, future goals, and the importance of personal growth in his journey as an elite athlete.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Tournament Preparations

02:54 Victor's Comeback Journey

05:58 Navigating Pressure and Expectations

08:58 Controversies on the Court, Shi Yu Qi's match at the Denmark Open 2025

11:44 Mindset and Emotional Resilience

15:04 Reflections on Competition and Growth

17:40 The Importance of Learning and Adaptation

20:47 The Emotional Weight of Performance

23:44 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

29:39 Physical Training and Mental Resilience

32:00 Goals and Aspirations for the Year

33:33 Balancing Family Life and Professional Commitments

39:56 New Projects and Initiatives in Badminton

45:44 Media Engagement and Public Perception

Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK'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/

In this episode of the Average on Average podcast, CK Yew and guest Ben Beckman discuss the innovative BXL badminton tournament, exploring its unique format, the impact of timed matches on players, and the role of umpires. Ben shares his personal connections to Indonesia and his journey into commentary, highlighting the importance of fan engagement and the future of badminton with new formats and opportunities. CK Yew and Ben Beckman delve into the intricacies of commentary, content creation, and the evolution of badminton as a sport. They discuss their experiences within the BWF community, the dynamics of working together as commentators, and the importance of effective communication. Ben shares his journey from being a player to a content creator and commentator, reflecting on his training, temperament, and future aspirations. The discussion highlights the significance of community, collaboration, and personal growth in the world of badminton.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:33 Exploring BXL: A Unique Badminton Tournament04:56 The Impact of Timed Matches on Gameplay11:19 Ben's Personal Connection to Indonesia14:40 Transition to Commentary: How Ben Became a Commentator19:36 Understanding BXL's Structure and Future Plans28:25 Exploring Accommodation Choices29:07 The Evolution of Badminton Events30:12 Innovative Formats in Badminton31:37 The Seriousness of Exhibition Matches33:39 The Role of Commentary in Badminton35:59 The BWF Community and Content Creation44:02 The Journey of a Content Creator51:59 Feedback and Growth in Content Production55:44 Cultural Differences in Timekeeping56:45 Morning Routines and Fitness59:42 Ben the Player: Playing Style and Career01:02:19 Temperament and Professionalism on Court01:07:10 Transitioning from Player to Coach and Commentator01:08:44 Future Aspirations in Commentary and Content Creation01:14:59 Engaging with the Community and Future of BadmintonFollow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK'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/

In this episode of the Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew, Viktor Axelsen, and David Evans delve into the intricacies of badminton umpiring. They discuss the dynamics between players and umpires, the challenges faced in making split-second decisions, and the potential for technology like VAR to enhance the sport. David shares insights into the rigorous journey to becoming a BWF umpire, the importance of communication, and the evolving role of umpires in the game. The conversation also touches on the introduction of time clocks in badminton and the need for better support and recognition for umpires.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Umpiring and Player Dynamics02:48 The Role of Technology in Umpiring05:36 Communication Between Umpires and Players08:29 Controversial Calls and Interpretations11:21 The New 25-Second Time Clock Implementation22:24 The Art of Diving in Badminton23:30 Umpires' Role in Match Enforcement25:36 Implementing New Rules and Scoring Systems27:11 Challenges Faced by Umpires30:00 The Journey to Becoming a BWF Umpire35:48 The Commitment Required for Umpiring40:01 The Role of Umpires and Referees47:10 Controversial Calls and Decision-Making56:27 Understanding Badminton Rules and RegulationsFollow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK'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/

In this episode of the Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew, Viktor Axelsen, and Ayush Shetty discuss their training routines, daily lives, and experiences in the world of badminton. They delve into the logistics of training together, the importance of consistency, and the dynamics of learning from each other. The conversation also touches on nutrition, recovery strategies, and the challenges faced by young athletes in the competitive landscape of badminton.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Training Setup02:50 Training Dynamics and Daily Routines05:49 Training with Peter Gade08:53 Ayush's Journey and Training Insights11:41 Training Philosophy and Learning from Each Other14:37 Match Preparation and Competitor Insights17:28 Future of Badminton and Personal Preferences20:20 Role Models and Inspirations23:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts30:39 Chilling Out: Relaxation and Entertainment33:28 Balancing Life: Training, Family, and Hobbies35:06 Napping: The Art of Rest and Recovery37:57 Tracking Performance: The Role of Technology in Training43:18 Running and Fitness: Training Regimens and Strategies47:57 Recovery Techniques: What Works Best for Athletes50:55 Food and Nutrition: Eating Habits on the Go52:43 Hydration and Preferences: Sparkling Water vs. JuicesFollow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content.

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

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK'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/

Ahmed Shahrazad Sani is an award-winning sports journalist from Malaysia, especially with his live coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics. We delve into the state of badminton in Malaysia, as well as the character shown by players, media and everything in between in the world of badminton!

Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK'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/

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/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK'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/

In this episode of the Average Not Average podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen engage in a deep conversation with Christian Luque Manjon about his journey in badminton coaching, particularly his work with the Chinese National Team and his transition to consulting. They discuss the importance of individualised training, data-driven approaches, and the challenges of managing injuries in elite sports. The conversation highlights the evolving training philosophies in badminton and the need for education to improve athlete development. In this conversation, Cristian and Viktor discuss the competitive mindset of badminton players, the importance of visualisation techniques, and the mental resilience required for injury recovery. They explore the evolving training intensity and load management in badminton, the challenges faced during the transition from junior to professional levels, and the significance of individualisation in training programs. Additionally, they introduce the Z-Swing Academy, which aims to nurture future badminton champions through a scientific approach to training.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introductions

02:15 Why is Cristian in the UK

02:21 Experiences in China and Career Development

06:26 Transition to Consulting and Academy Development

10:37 Working with the Chinese National Team

12:30 Individualised Training Philosophy

16:52 Data-Driven Training Approaches

22:05 Managing Training Loads and Injury Prevention

25:35 Training Strategies During Competitions

26:15 Load Management in Badminton

30:02 Injury Management and Recovery Strategies

36:09 Mental Resilience and Visualisation Techniques

42:06 The Evolution of Training Methods

45:50 Balancing Competitive Drive and Personal Life

51:31 The Role of Sports Science in Rehabilitation

51:45 Coaching Dynamics and Player Development

54:38 Individualisation in Training and Player Autonomy

58:34 Cultural Influences on Coaching and Player Relationships

01:00:14 Transitioning from Junior to Professional Levels

01:02:33 Z-Swing Academy: A New Approach to Training

01:11:03 Investment and Structure of Z-Swing Academy

01:15:37 Building Trust and Connection in Coaching

Ben Beckman's conversations with Cristian Luque:

Ep 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQWRDFUszfc

Ep 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nMfU4N0sDI

Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content.

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

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

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

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

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/

In this episode, Viktor Axelsen and CK Yew discuss various topics including the upcoming VA collection launch, CK's new marketing company - El Plan Studios, the growth of para badminton, and reflections on past matches. They also explore the importance of mental strategies in badminton, contract negotiations, and methods to enhance the fan experience. The conversation highlights personal growth, insights into the sport, and future aspirations for content creation.Time stamps00:00 Introduction and Current Updates02:58 VA Collection Launch and Sneak Peek05:56 CKU's New Marketing Company09:07 Podcast Journey and Improvements11:57 Recap of Previous Episodes17:58 Exploring Para Badminton21:23 The Comeback and Grip Strategies22:04 World Championships: Annual vs. Biannual Debate24:11 Memorable Championship Moments and Historical Context25:27 Contract Negotiations and Sponsorship Dynamics29:42 Umpiring Insights and Future Guests31:55 The Impact of Media on Badminton's Growth34:47 Training Mindset and Deception Techniques40:14 Techniques and Skills in Badminton42:00 Evolution of Playing Styles43:40 Memorable Matches and Experiences47:23 Enhancing the Fan Experience51:27 Engaging with Fans and FeedbackFollow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK'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/