Jayce
At this year’s Paris Olympic Games, Viktor Axelsen dominated the men’s singles badminton final, defeating Kunlavut 2-0 (21-11, 21-11) to win the championship. With this victory, Axelsen has now secured medals in three consecutive Olympic Games, including two golds and one bronze (2016 Rio bronze, 2020 Tokyo gold, 2024 Paris gold), surpassing the achievements of Lin Dan.
Kunlavut managed to score only 22 points in two games, making it one of the most lopsided Olympic men’s singles finals in history. The Danish media compared Axelsen’s performance this year to Lin Dan’s 2-0 (21-12, 21-8) victory over Lee Chong Wei in the 2008 Beijing Olympics final.
Before this year’s Olympics, Axelsen had participated in only five BWF individual events and the 2024 Thomas Cup, winning just one title at the 2024 Malaysia Masters, while being eliminated early in the other tournaments. Danish media reported that Axelsen had faced more injuries in the past year than in his entire previous career combined.
European badminton players generally have longer careers, with Danish legends like Mathias Boe, Carsten Mogensen, and Peter Gade playing until nearly 40 before retiring. With Axelsen now at 30 years old and having won two Olympic golds and one bronze, many fans are already looking forward to his participation in the next Olympics.
In response, Axelsen stated that he would compete in the Olympics as long as he remains in good condition, saying, “If I am still competitive when the Olympic badminton qualification starts in 2028 and continue to achieve good results in international tournaments, then why wouldn’t I participate?”
Axelsen also told the media that he will keep pushing forward and will not pause his career just because of his Olympic victory. His top priority now is to maintain his health. After celebrating his win with a short vacation with his family, he will immediately prepare for the Japan Open on August 20.
