Viktor Axelsen Successfully Defends Olympic Badminton Title, Refrains from Comparing with Lin Dan
Leon To
Fri Aug 16 2024
In a thrilling final at the Olympic Paris 2024, former world number one Viktor Axelsen protected his men's singles badminton title against Thai player Kunlavut Vitidsarn. The event saw Denmark's Axelsen triumph over his opponent, securing victory and making history in the badminton world.
With overwhelming support from fans at the La Chapelle Arena, Viktor Axelsen, seeded second, faced tough competition from eighth seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn. However, Axelsen showcased his skill and determination, defeating Vitidsarn with a commanding score of 21-11, 21-11 in a match lasting 52 minutes. This victory marked a significant milestone as it was the first Olympic medal for Thailand in badminton, with Vitidsarn taking home the silver.
On the other hand, Malaysian shuttler Lee Zii Jia secured the bronze after a hard-fought battle against Indian player Lakshya Sen, securing a 13-21, 21-16, 21-11 victory. The success of Axelsen further solidified his status in the badminton world, becoming the first player to retain the men's singles Olympic title since the legendary Lin Dan of China, who achieved back-to-back wins in 2008 and 2012.
Despite his remarkable achievement, Axelsen humbly rejected comparisons with Lin Dan, acknowledging the Chinese player as the greatest of all time. "To me, he (Lin) is the GOAT, and I am very happy and proud to be mentioned in the same breath as Lin, specifically in terms of the Olympics," Axelsen expressed. With Lin Dan present at the event, Axelsen's acknowledgment of his predecessor's greatness added a poignant touch to the Olympic badminton finals.
Furthermore, the reward for Lee Zii Jia's bronze medal victory may come in the form of a Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, a new SUV model recently launched in Malaysia. Chery Malaysia, in a display of sportsmanship and recognition, congratulated the Malaysian athletes on their achievement and hinted at presenting them with these new vehicles. The company also revealed its intention to reward silver medalists with the Omoda E5 electric SUV and gold medalists with the Tiggo 8 Pro, setting a unique benchmark in Olympic prize offerings.
Viktor Axelsen's successful defense of his Olympic badminton title, coupled with his respectful sentiments towards Lin Dan, exemplifies sportsmanship and a deep-rooted appreciation for the legends of the game. The Olympic Paris 2024 badminton event showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship, creating memorable moments for players and fans alike.