Aksel Kryhlmand
“I was skeptical at first […]. But now I love it, as long as professionalism isn’t compromised, it’s fantastic”
“I was skeptical at first […]. But now I love it, as long as professionalism isn’t compromised, it’s fantastic”
A New Look for Badminton: Families Join the World Tour
What was once unthinkable has become the new normal. The top Danish badminton stars now travel the globe with their families in tow.
From bustling Jakarta to courtside cuddles, children and spouses are finding their place in the heart of elite sport.
A Doubles Duo with Double Support
Anders Skaarup and his partner Kim Astrup, ranked world number two in men’s doubles, have embraced the family travel model.
Both had their partners and young children on tour in Indonesia last week when Indonesia Open 2025 was being held in Jakarta, proving that elite sport and family life don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Beyond the Court: Why It Matters
“It’s important they understand what I do,” Skaarup says. His wife, Ida Skaarup Fodnes, adds: “The kids feel like they’re part of it.
That makes the sacrifices easier, and we enjoy the good moments more.” For them, the experience extends far beyond winning points it’s about shared memories.
From Taboo to Trend
Just a decade ago, family travel in elite badminton was nearly unheard of. National team policies discouraged it, especially during team events.
But the shift began when Joachim Fischer brought his son along to the 2015 European Team Championships a move that slowly cracked open the door for others.
Head Coach Once Skeptical, Now Embracing the Change
National team head coach Thomas Stavngaard admits he had doubts. “I was skeptical at first,” he says. “But now I love it, as long as professionalism isn’t compromised, it’s fantastic.”
He notes that rather than harming performance, family presence seems to lift the players.
A New Generation of Badminton Parents
Fischer led the way, but stars like Viktor Axelsen normalized the trend, often seen courtside with his daughter Vega.
Now, new dads like Jesper Toft are joining in. The 2025 season saw him tour Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia with his partner Deniz Zein-Ali and their baby boy.
Challenges? Yes. Regrets? Not a Chance
“It’s not easy to travel with a baby,” says Deniz. “Routines go out the window, but we just roll with it.” Despite the logistical chaos, the family wouldn’t trade the experience for anything, sharing Jesper’s journey is what matters most.
Priority One: Performance
Everyone agrees on one point, sport comes first. “Jesper’s the priority,” Deniz says with a smile. “He needs his rest, his spa, his naps we fit around that.” Ida Skaarup echoes the sentiment: “We’ve found a great balance between supporting him and enjoying the ride.”
New Motivation, Same Discipline
For Anders Skaarup, having the kids around is both motivating and grounding. “I still need to win matches, and I owe it to Kim to stay fully professional,” he explains.
But if the boys wants to go to the arena, Skaarup is suddenly a spectator too something he rarely did before.
Choosing the Right Moments
The family doesn’t travel to every tournament. Instead, they pick trips with good hotels and strong local badminton culture. “It has to make sense for all of us,” says Ida.
For them, Indonesia checks every box, warm fans, great infrastructure and a love for the sport.
The Other Players Benefit Too
Skaarup believes their presence helps the whole team. “Sometimes, having a kid run around at breakfast or toss a ball by the pool gives everyone a break from the intensity,” he says. It adds a human touch to a demanding tour schedule.
Grateful for a Supportive Circle
The Skaarup family feels lucky. “We’ve been so grateful to the coaches and teammates who’ve welcomed our kids,” Anders says. “It’s been one of the most meaningful parts of the last few years, being able to thrive both on tour and as a family.”