Badminton Fed President Has Parkinson's Disease

(ATR) Badminton World Federation president Poul-Erik Høyer reveals he has been living with Parkinson’s disease for years.

Høyer, 54, has been the BWF president since 2013 and an IOC member since 2014.

A day after telling the Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet that he was diagnosed with the disease in 2015, he released a statement on Thursday saying "I feel now is an appropriate time to make this news public."

Høyer says he is able to handle his duties without limitations.

"Medical science has come a long way in dealing with Parkinson’s disease, and I feel very little impact of the disease in all areas of my day to day life.

"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," he said in a statement.

Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance and coordination. Medications can help control the symptoms but the condition cannot be cured.

People usually develop the disease at around age 60 or older.Høyerwas 49 when he was diagnosed.

He told the newspaper that his father lived with Parkinson’s for 25 years.

The BWF president won gold in men's singles at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. Muhammad Ali, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1984 and lived 32 years with the disease, lit the torch at the Opening Ceremony for those Games.

Written by Gerard Farek

For general comments or questions,click here.

Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.