Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei is gearing up for her long-awaited return to international competition, with her focus set firmly on next month’s YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships 2025 in Birmingham where she looks to add to her existing collection after being crowned champion in 2019.

Before she takes to court in England, however, Chen will mark her comeback at the Asian Mixed Team Championships 2025 in Qingdao next week. Her return to competition follows a period of reflection and personal growth, during which she stepped back from the sport to explore new challenges, including learning English and dabbling in commentary.

Chen’s decision to take a break from badminton after her quarterfinal loss at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a bold one. Speaking to China Daily, she explained: “After the Olympics, I didn’t want to return to the field, because I felt that someone without ambition shouldn’t be there.” During her time away, she spent 10 weeks in Australia studying English — fulfilling a longstanding personal goal. Although she jokes that she didn’t manage to pick up any Australian slang, she hopes to master phrases like “fair dinkum” or “no worries” on her next visit.

Her experience in Australia was a refreshing change. Attending language classes alongside students from Brazil and other countries, most of whom were unaware of her status as an Olympic champion, Chen found a sense of anonymity. “My classmates didn’t know who I was,” she said. “But when my teacher asked me what I did as a job, I told the class I’m a professional badminton player and an Olympic champion. Their reaction was amazing — my teacher said he’d never taught an Olympic champion before.”

This period gave Chen a broader perspective. “It showed me a world beyond badminton and introduced me to so many wonderful people,” she wrote on social media. At the same time, it reignited her love for the sport. “I realised that I still love badminton. It’s not just about putting in the effort — having the right mindset is essential, and ambition matters. That’s something I’ll focus on as I move forward.”

Alongside her studies, Chen also tried her hand at commentary, providing colour analysis for Youku TV during the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2024. She covered several matches, including Wang Zhi Yi’s three-game victory over Han Yue and Baek Ha Na/Lee So Hee’s women’s doubles win. Reflecting on the experience, Chen said, “It was really fun — I just relaxed and enjoyed it.” Although she rated her performance as a commentator “six out of ten,” she hinted at the possibility of covering more women’s doubles matches in future.

Despite her accomplishments off the court, Chen admits she faced challenges outside her comfort zone. Conducting this very interview in English showed off her vulnerable side. “I was more nervous about doing this interview in English than I’ve ever been when competing or preparing for commentary,” she giggled. Nevertheless, this openness highlights her commitment to growth —  only as an athlete but as an individual.

Now, Chen is ready to return to competition. Representing Team China at the Asian Mixed Team Championships from 11 to 16 February, she views the event as a vital warm-up ahead of the All England Open in March. “I’ve missed playing,” she said. “Watching everyone compete at the World Tour Finals made me want to get back on court.”

Her time away from the sport may have allowed her to explore new horizons, but it has also reaffirmed her commitment to badminton. “I’m 26 and have only ever played badminton,” she reflected. “I wanted to try something different, but now I’m ready to focus on my career again.”