Larsen won the All England final in 1987 in singles. She also won three bronze medals at the Badminton World Cup in 1980, 1985 and 1986 and a gold medal in 1988 European championships. She was also Danish champion in singles from 1981 to 1983 and again from 1986 to 1988, and she was called Lene Køppen's successor. Kirsten won the European Championships in singles in 1988 and became second in 1986. She also became Nordic Champion in singles in 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987 and 1988. Kirsten Larsen played for the national team 58 times from 1979 to 1990.
