Kuala Lumpur: Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen, the reigning President of Badminton World Federation (BWF) revealed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
The 1996 Atlanta Olympics men’s singles gold medalist said in a statement on Thursday that he was diagnosed with the illness years ago.
“I feel now is an appropriate time to make this news public.”
“Medical science has come a long way in dealing with Parkinson’s disease, and I feel the very little impact of the disease in all areas of my day to day life,” said Hoyer Larsen.
“My full efforts are totally focused on leading the Badminton World Federation and fulfilling my role as IOC member. I would like to thank the badminton and sporting community for their ongoing support and I look forward to leading the BWF as we plan for our safe return to international badminton,” added Hoyer Larsen.
In addition to the Olympic gold, the 54-year-old has also won the 1995, 1996 All-England titles. He became the president of Badminton Europe in 2010 before becoming the president of BWF in 2013. He was re-elected for the second consecutive term as President of BWF in 2017.
