1. Overview
Morten Frost Hansen, often known simply as Morten Frost, is a distinguished former badminton player and coach from Denmark. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest badminton players of his era, earning the nickname "Mr. Badminton" due to his consistent dominance on the international stage. Throughout his illustrious playing career, Frost spent an impressive twelve years ranked among the top three players globally. After retiring as a player in 1991, he transitioned into a successful coaching career, contributing significantly to the development of badminton talent across multiple national teams, including Denmark, Malaysia, South Africa, India, and England. His career achievements include numerous major titles, though he notably never won a World Championship, securing two silver medals instead.
2. Early Life and Background
Morten Frost Hansen was born on April 4, 1958, in Nykøbing Sjælland, Odsherred, Denmark. Details about his early life and how he began his journey in badminton are limited, but his subsequent career clearly indicates an early and profound dedication to the sport.
3. Playing Career
Morten Frost's playing career spanned from 1976 to 1991, during which he established himself as a formidable force in men's singles badminton. He was known for his exceptional consistency and tactical prowess, making him a perennial threat in every tournament he entered.
3.1. Career Summary
Frost maintained a position within the top three of the world rankings for twelve consecutive years, a testament to his enduring skill and competitive spirit. He was affectionately known as "Mr. Badminton" due to his widespread success and influence in the sport. During his active years, he was a formidable rival to other legendary players of his time, including Liem Swie King and Icuk Sugiarto from Indonesia. He represented the Danish national team for fifteen years, from 1976 to 1991, a tenure longer than any other player.
3.2. Major Achievements
Morten Frost achieved victories in nearly every major top-level championship available during his career. His consistent performance led to numerous titles across various international competitions.
3.2.1. World Championships
Despite his remarkable dominance, Frost never secured a gold medal at the BWF World Championships, finishing as a silver medalist on two occasions.
Men's singles
| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Canada | China Han Jian | 18-14, 10-15, 8-15 | Silver |
| 1987 | Capital Indoor Stadium, Beijing, China | China Yang Yang | 2-15, 15-13, 12-15 | Silver |
3.2.2. World Cup
Frost earned multiple medals at the Badminton World Cup in both singles and doubles events.
Men's singles
| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Istora Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia | Indonesia Icuk Sugiarto | 11-15, 15-8, 4-15 | Silver |
| 1986 | Istora Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia | Indonesia Icuk Sugiarto | 15-5, 6-15, 11-15 | Silver |
Men's doubles
| Year | Venue | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Stadium Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Denmark Jens Peter Nierhoff | Indonesia Bobby Ertanto Indonesia Christian Hadinata | 11-15, 15-4, 13-15 | Bronze |
3.2.3. World Games
He also achieved a silver medal at the World Games.
Men's singles
| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | San Jose Civic Auditorium, California, United States | China Chen Changjie | 15-9, 7-15, 12-15 | Silver |
3.2.4. European Championships
Frost was highly successful at the European Badminton Championships, securing multiple gold and silver medals.
Men's singles
| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Martinihal, Groningen, Netherlands | Denmark Flemming Delfs | 4-15, 15-1, 14-17 | Silver |
| 1984 | Guild Hall, Preston, England | Denmark Jens Peter Nierhoff | 15-8, 15-2 | Gold |
| 1986 | Fyrishallen, Uppsala, Sweden | Denmark Ib Frederiksen | 15-8, 15-2 | Gold |
| 1988 | Badmintonsenteret, Kristiansand, Norway | England Darren Hall | 15-8, 12-15, 9-15 | Silver |
Men's doubles
| Year | Venue | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Guild Hall, Preston, England | Denmark Jens Peter Nierhoff | England Martin Dew England Mike Tredgett | 8-15, 10-15 | Silver |
3.2.5. European Junior Championships
As a junior, Frost also demonstrated his potential, earning medals at the European Junior Championships.
Boys' singles
| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Copenhagen, Denmark | Sweden Bruno Wackfelt | 15-18, 2-15 | Silver |
3.2.6. IBF Grand Prix
Frost distinguished himself by winning all of the invitational Grand Prix tournaments at least once, including his home country's Denmark Open, which he championed from 1980 to 1986 and again in 1989. He accumulated 32 titles and 12 runner-up finishes in the IBF World Grand Prix series, which was sanctioned by the International Badminton Federation (IBF) from 1983 to 2006.
Men's singles
| Year | Tournament | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Swedish Open | Malaysia Misbun Sidek | 15-9, 10-15, 13-15 | Runner-up |
| 1983 | All England Open | China Luan Jin | 2-15, 15-12, 4-15 | Runner-up |
| 1983 | Scandinavian Open | India Prakash Padukone | 18-17, 15-2 | Winner |
| 1983 | World Grand Prix Finals | China Luan Jin | 2-15, 6-15 | Runner-up |
| 1984 | Chinese Taipei Open | Indonesia Hastomo Arbi | 15-11, 15-7 | Winner |
| 1984 | Japan Open | Indonesia Liem Swie King | 15-1, 18-15 | Winner |
| 1984 | Scottish Open | England Kevin Jolly | 15-11, 15-2 | Winner |
| 1984 | Denmark Open | Denmark Jens Peter Nierhoff | 15-1, 15-2 | Winner |
| 1984 | All England Open | Indonesia Liem Swie King | 9-15, 15-10, 15-10 | Winner |
| 1984 | Malaysia Open | Indonesia Icuk Sugiarto | 9-15, 4-15 | Runner-up |
| 1984 | Scandinavian Open | China Han Jian | 15-10, 15-9 | Winner |
| 1984 | World Grand Prix Finals | Indonesia Liem Swie King | 15-5, 15-4 | Winner |
| 1985 | Hong Kong Open | China Yang Yang | 10-15, 11-15 | Runner-up |
| 1985 | Denmark Open | South Korea Sung Han-kuk | 15-4, 15-5 | Winner |
| 1985 | All England Open | China Zhao Jianhua | 15-6, 10-15, 15-18 | Runner-up |
| 1985 | English Masters | England Steve Baddeley | 15-12, 11-15, 15-11 | Winner |
| 1985 | Malaysia Masters | Malaysia Misbun Sidek | 15-4, 15-7 | Winner |
| 1985 | Scandinavian Open | Indonesia Lius Pongoh | 15-5, 15-8 | Winner |
| 1986 | German Open | Denmark Michael Kjeldsen | 15-4, 15-3 | Winner |
| 1986 | Scandinavian Open | Denmark Torben Carlsen | 15-5, 15-5 | Winner |
| 1986 | All England Open | Malaysia Misbun Sidek | 15-2, 15-8 | Winner |
| 1986 | Denmark Open | Denmark Michael Kjeldsen | 15-9, 15-10 | Winner |
| 1986 | English Masters | Australia Sze Yu | 15-8, 15-5 | Winner |
| 1986 | World Grand Prix Finals | China Yang Yang | 13-18, 8-15 | Runner-up |
| 1987 | Poona Open | Denmark Jens Peter Nierhoff | 15-11, 15-11 | Winner |
| 1987 | All England Open | Indonesia Icuk Sugiarto | 15-10, 15-0 | Winner |
| 1987 | English Masters | England Steve Baddeley | 18-13, 15-18, 15-12 | Winner |
| 1988 | Poona Open | Denmark Ib Frederiksen | 15-10, 15-9 | Winner |
| 1988 | German Open | China Xiong Guobao | 15-4, 15-6 | Winner |
| 1988 | All England Open | Denmark Ib Frederiksen | 15-8, 7-15, 10-15 | Runner-up |
| 1988 | French Open | Indonesia Icuk Sugiarto | 10-15, 15-6, 2-15 | Runner-up |
| 1988 | English Masters | Indonesia Ardy Wiranata | 15-8, 15-8 | Winner |
| 1988 | Scottish Open | England Nick Yates | 15-7, 15-5 | Winner |
| 1989 | Chinese Taipei Open | Indonesia Eddy Kurniawan | 15-12, 15-3 | Winner |
| 1989 | Swedish Open | Indonesia Alan Budikusuma | 15-4, 15-4 | Winner |
| 1989 | All England Open | China Yang Yang | 6-15, 7-15 | Runner-up |
| 1989 | German Open | England Steve Baddeley | 15-6, 15-4 | Winner |
| 1989 | Denmark Open | China Zhao Jianhua | 15-12, 15-13 | Winner |
| 1989 | Scottish Open | Denmark Jens Peter Nierhoff | 15-2, 15-5 | Winner |
| 1990 | Finnish Open | Indonesia Hermawan Susanto | 15-13, 4-15, 15-9 | Winner |
| 1990 | Japan Open | Denmark Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen | 15-9, 15-4 | Winner |
| 1990 | Denmark Open | Denmark Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen | 15-4, 10-15, 15-17 | Runner-up |
Men's doubles
| Year | Tournament | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Scottish Open | Denmark Jesper Helledie | England Duncan Bridge England Nigel Tier | 15-11, 15-11 | Winner |
| 1984 | Denmark Open | Denmark Jens Peter Nierhoff | China Li Yongbo China Tian Bingyi | 7-15, 2-15 | Runner-up |
3.2.7. Other Major International Tournaments
Beyond the IBF Grand Prix circuit, Morten Frost achieved significant success in other major international and regional tournaments, including the Nordic Championships and various Open events.
Men's singles
| Year | Tournament | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | USSR International | Winner | ||
| 1977 | Norwegian International | Sweden Thomas Angarth | 15-2, 15-5 | Winner |
| 1978 | Nordic Championships | Denmark Flemming Delfs | 5-15, 15-6, 15-4 | Winner |
| 1979 | Dutch Open | Denmark Flemming Delfs | 6-15, 15-3, 15-16 | Runner-up |
| 1979 | Denmark Open | Denmark Flemming Delfs | 7-15, 7-15 | Runner-up |
| 1979 | English Masters | India Prakash Padukone | 4-15, 11-15 | Runner-up |
| 1979 | Canadian Open | Denmark Flemming Delfs | 15-7, 14-17, 15-7 | Winner |
| 1979 | Randers Open | Denmark Flemming Delfs | 10-15, 15-18 | Runner-up |
| 1979 | Nordic Championships | Denmark Flemming Delfs | 15-6, 15-4 | Winner |
| 1980 | Copenhagen Cup | India Prakash Padukone | 15-8, 10-15, 15-9 | Winner |
| 1980 | Denmark Open | India Prakash Padukone | 7-15, 13-18 | Runner-up |
| 1980 | Canadian Open | Denmark Steen Fladberg | 15-7, 15-11 | Winner |
| 1980 | Nordic Championships | Sweden Thomas Kihlström | 15-4, 15-7 | Winner |
| 1981 | Denmark Open | India Prakash Padukone | 15-7, 15-5 | Winner |
| 1981 | Swedish Open | Indonesia Lius Pongoh | 14-18, 13-15 | Runner-up |
| 1981 | Scandinavian Cup | India Prakash Padukone | 15-4, 15-11 | Winner |
| 1981 | Nordic Championships | Denmark Flemming Delfs | 18-17, 15-5 | Winner |
| 1982 | Scottish Open | Denmark Flemming Delfs | 15-4, 15-2 | Winner |
| 1982 | German Open | Denmark Jens Peter Nierhoff | 15-12, 13-15, 15-8 | Winner |
| 1982 | Denmark Open | India Prakash Padukone | 15-7, 15-8 | Winner |
| 1982 | All England Open | China Luan Jin | 11-15, 15-2, 15-7 | Winner |
| 1982 | Nordic Championships | Denmark Jens Peter Nierhoff | 15-2, 15-6 | Winner |
| 1982 | Scandinavian Cup | India Prakash Padukone | 15-3, 15-4 | Winner |
| 1983 | Scottish Open | England Kevin Jolly | 15-2, 15-6 | Winner |
| 1983 | Dutch Open | India Prakash Padukone | 15-11, 15-4 | Winner |
| 1983 | Denmark Open | Winner | ||
| 1983 | Nordic Championships | Denmark Michael Kjeldsen | 10-15, 15-12, 15-1 | Winner |
| 1983 | India Masters | India Prakash Padukone | 15-7, 15-13 | Winner |
| 1984 | English Masters | China Han Jian | 15-8, 18-15 | Winner |
| 1984 | Dutch Masters | China Han Jian | 9-15, 14-18 | Runner-up |
| 1984 | Nordic Championships | Denmark Jens Peter Nierhoff | 17-14, 15-6 | Winner |
| 1984 | Scottish Open | China Zhao Jianhua | 12-15, 15-8, 9-15 | Runner-up |
| 1984 | Welsh International | England Darren Hall | 15-2, 15-6 | Winner |
| 1985 | Malaysia Masters | Malaysia Misbun Sidek | 15-4, 15-7 | Winner |
| 1986 | Bell's Open | Denmark Ib Frederiksen | 15-6, 15-5 | Winner |
| 1983 | Nordic Championships | Denmark Michael Kjeldsen | 12-15, 9-15 | Runner-up |
| 1988 | Nordic Championships | Denmark Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen | 15-6, 15-6 | Winner |
Men's doubles
| Year | Tournament | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Czechoslovakian International | Denmark Steen Fladberg | West Germany Wolfgang Bochow West Germany Roland Maywald | Runner-up | |
| 1977 | USSR International | Denmark Steen Skovgaard | Winner | ||
| 1977 | Norwegian International | Denmark Mogens Neergaard | Sweden Ola Eriksson Sweden Christian Lundberg | 9-15, 6-15 | Runner-up |
| 1979 | Swedish Open | Denmark Steen Fladberg | Denmark Flemming Delfs Denmark Steen Skovgaard | 12-15, 15-12, 10-15 | Runner-up |
| 1979 | Dutch Open | Denmark Steen Fladberg | England Elliot Stuart England Derek Talbot | 8-15, 17-18 | Runner-up |
| 1979 | Canadian Open | Denmark Flemming Delfs | Indonesia Ade Chandra Indonesia Christian Hadinata | 5-15, 1-15 | Runner-up |
| 1980 | Copenhagen Cup | Denmark Steen Fladberg | Denmark Flemming Delfs Denmark Steen Skovgaard | 8-15, 6-15 | Runner-up |
| 1980 | Nordic Championships | Denmark Steen Fladberg | Sweden Claes Nordin Sweden Lars Wengberg | 3-15, 15-3, 15-11 | Winner |
| 1981 | Nordic Championships | Denmark Steen Fladberg | Denmark Flemming Delfs Denmark Steen Skovgaard | 15-9, 15-5 | Winner |
| 1981 | Scandinavian Cup | Denmark Steen Fladberg | China Luan Jin China Lin Jiangli | 11-15, 15-6, 12-15 | Runner-up |
| 1982 | German Open | Denmark Steen Fladberg | China Jiang Guoliang China He Shangquan | 15-5, 15-6 | Winner |
| 1982 | Nordic Championships | Denmark Steen Fladberg | Denmark Jesper Helledie Denmark Steen Skovgaard | 15-6, 15-18, 15-6 | Winner |
| 1983 | Nordic Championships | Denmark Jens Peter Nierhoff | Sweden Stefan Karlsson Sweden Thomas Kihlström | 12-15, 15-17 | Runner-up |
| 1984 | English Masters | Denmark Jens Peter Nierhoff | Indonesia Hadibowo Indonesia Christian Hadinata | 3-15, 3-15 | Runner-up |
| 1984 | Scottish Open | Denmark Jens Peter Nierhoff | England Andy Goode England Nigel Tier | 12-15, 15-8, 9-15 | Runner-up |
| 1984 | Welsh International | England Martin Dew | Scotland Billy Gilliland Scotland Dan Travers | 8-15, 15-18 | Runner-up |
| 1986 | Nordic Championships | Denmark Steen Fladberg | Sweden Jan-Eric Antonsson Sweden Pär-Gunnar Jönsson | 15-10, 15-12 | Winner |
Mixed doubles
| Year | Tournament | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Norwegian International | Denmark Pia Nielsen | Denmark Mogens Neergaard Denmark Inge Borgstrøm | 6-15, 3-15 | Runner-up |
| 1981 | English Masters | Denmark Lene Køppen | England Mike Tredgett England Nora Perry | 5-15, 6-15 | Runner-up |
| 1982 | Scottish Open | Denmark Lene Køppen | Scotland Billy Gilliland England Gillian Gilks | 13-18, 9-15 | Runner-up |
| 1983 | Scottish Open | Denmark Nettie Nielsen | Netherlands Rob Ridder Netherlands Marjan Ridder | 15-9, 6-15, 15-12 | Winner |
3.3. Playing Style
Morten Frost was renowned for his exceptionally smooth and fluid footwork on the court. His playing style was a unique blend of traditional and modern singles badminton. He frequently employed numerous clears (lobs) and drops, often reserving powerful smashes for weak returns from opponents. However, he also incorporated elements of the modern game, utilizing more aggressive smashing from the outset of rallies to create openings and gain an advantage. This versatile approach made him a challenging opponent for any player.
3.4. Hall of Fame Induction
In recognition of his outstanding contributions and achievements in the sport, Morten Frost was inducted into the BWF Badminton Hall of Fame in 1998.
4. Coaching Career
Following his distinguished playing career, Morten Frost transitioned into coaching, where he continued to make significant contributions to the sport. His coaching philosophy emphasized discipline and a deep understanding of the game, helping to develop a new generation of badminton talent.
4.1. Coaching Activities and Achievements
Frost served as the director of performance for Badminton Denmark, during which the Danish national squad achieved remarkable success. Under his guidance, the team secured over 20 major international victories, including an Olympic gold medal in 1996. They also won six gold and three silver medals at the 1996 European Championships, men's singles titles at the 1995 and 1996 All England Championships, and one gold, two silver, and four bronze medals at the 1995 World Championships.
He later coached the national teams of Malaysia and South Africa. In 2015, Frost accepted a contract to serve as the national technical director for the Badminton Association of Malaysia until the end of 2020. However, in early 2017, a public disagreement arose between Frost and Malaysian former world number 1 player Lee Chong Wei, with Lee citing unfair treatment after an injury. Frost resigned from his position in Malaysia in September 2017, citing personal reasons.
In February 2019, Frost signed a one-year contract to coach India's junior players at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy. In 2020, he was appointed as the performance director of Badminton England, further extending his influence in the global badminton landscape. Additionally, Frost worked as a commentator for the BBC's television coverage of the badminton tournament at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
5. Assessment and Influence
Morten Frost's legacy in badminton is profound, marked by his exceptional playing ability and his subsequent impact as a coach. As a player, his consistent presence at the top of the world rankings for over a decade solidified his status as one of the sport's all-time greats. His unique playing style, blending traditional finesse with modern aggression, influenced many who followed. Despite never winning a World Championship, his four All England Open titles and multiple European and Grand Prix victories underscore his dominance. As a coach, he demonstrated an ability to nurture talent and lead national teams to significant international success, particularly with Denmark. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport, shaping both playing techniques and coaching methodologies.
6. Quotes
- "I hate to lose more than most. I have the will to win EVERY time!" - Morten Frost
- "He used to give international players in England a 14-0 start. And if they won, the bet was they would take the money. And most of the players would take the bet, but they made very little money. After that they found they couldn't win, so they never took the bet. But that's how you train not to make errors." - Tom John on Morten Frost