One of the best players in the world, Viktor Axelsen is set to be one of the most prominent faces in the Paris Olympics. The defending champion is currently ranked No. 2 in the world only behind Shi Yu Qi. Axelsen, now 30 is probably playing his last Olympics in his prime. The Danish badminton player has achieved unparalleled success in the sport.
One of Axelsen’s most notable achievements is winning the bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where he defeated the two-time and defending Olympic badminton champion, Lin Dan, in the bronze medal playoffs. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career, propelling him to international recognition.
Axelsen’s success continued as he became the world champion in 2017, defeating Lin Dan in the final. He also won the prestigious All England Open in 2020, further solidifying his position as a top player in the sport. Additionally, he has secured 12 world tour titles and numerous other medals since making his senior debut in 2009.
Another significant achievement is his victory at the 2020 Olympic Games, where he won the gold medal by defeating Chen Long in the final. This triumph not only showcased his exceptional skill but also demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. Axelsen’s dedication to the sport is evident in his relentless pursuit of improvement, which has allowed him to overcome setbacks and maintain his position as a world-class player.
Axelsen’s impact on the sport extends beyond his personal achievements. He is widely regarded as a role model and inspiration for the next generation of badminton players, embodying values such as discipline, hard work, and sportsmanship. His ability to handle success and setbacks gracefully has taught young players the importance of staying grounded and composed under pressure. Overall, Viktor Axelsen’s impressive list of achievements has cemented his position as one of the most distinguished players in badminton history.
PARIS OLYMPICS: AXELSEN’S RECENT FORM
Axelsen recently suffered an ankle injury during the Singapore Open in late May, which forced him to withdraw from the semi-finals. Despite this setback, he has made a good recovery and is now focused on his Olympic title defence. The injury also led to his withdrawal from the Indonesia Open 2024, where he stated that he was “not fit to play” due to the ankle issue.
In terms of his ranking, Axelsen recently lost his top spot in the badminton world rankings to China’s Shi Yu Qi. Axelsen had held the number one position for 132 weeks but was forced to withdraw from the Indonesia Open due to injury, allowing Shi Yuqi to rise to the top after consecutive tournament wins.
Despite these challenges, Axelsen remains confident in his abilities and is working to fine-tune his training to ensure he peaks at the right time for the Paris Olympics. He believes that his ability to navigate and overcome challenging days, both on and off the court, has been crucial to his success. This mindset, which involves transforming obstacles into opportunities for personal growth, has been key to his consistency and ranking as the world’s top badminton player.
Despite recent setbacks, including an ankle injury and losing his top ranking, Axelsen remains a strong contender for the men’s singles title and is determined to emulate Lin Dan’s feat of retaining the title in 2008 and 2012.
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Source Agencies
