Shocking Retirement Rocks Badminton Community
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In a stunning move, world No. 1 badminton player, Lee “The Smash” Chen, has announced his immediate retirement from professional badminton to pursue a career in extreme ironing.
The 30-year-old Malaysian athlete, known for his lightning-fast reflexes and dominating smashes, revealed his unexpected decision at a press conference yesterday.
“I’ve achieved everything I wanted in badminton,” Chen said. “Now, I’m ready for a new challenge. Extreme ironing offers the perfect combination of adventure, precision, and wrinkle-free clothes.”
Chen’s transition to extreme ironing, a performance art that involves ironing clothes in unusual or extreme locations, has left fans and fellow athletes bewildered.
“We’re shocked and saddened by Lee’s retirement,” said Malaysian Badminton Association President, Datuk Seri Mohamad Al-Amin. “However, we wish him the best in his new endeavor.”
Chen’s extreme ironing debut is set for next month at the annual “Ironing on the Edge” festival in New Zealand. He’ll iron a bespoke three-piece suit on top of a moving train.
“I’m excited to trade my racket for an ironing board,” Chen said. “The thrill of ironing on a mountaintop or underwater is exhilarating.”
Chen’s impressive badminton career includes:
– 3 Olympic gold medals
– 5 World Championship titles
– 20 Superseries victories
Chen’s decision has sparked speculation about potential collaborations with extreme ironing pioneers or even a reality TV show.
“Who knows?” Chen smiled. “The world of extreme ironing is full of possibilities. I’m ready to iron my mark on it.”
– “Lee will always be remembered as one of the greatest.” – Lin Dan, Chinese badminton legend
– “I’ll miss competing against him, but I wish him the best.” – Viktor Axelson, Danish badminton player
– 15 years of professional badminton
– 300+ weeks as world No. 1
– 50+ international titles
– Malaysian Badminton Association
– International Badminton Federation
– Extreme Ironing Federation
Leave a Reply