Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen has made history by becoming the first man to retain his Olympic men’s singles badminton title since China’s Lin Dan. Axelsen’s victory at the Paris Olympics was witnessed by Denmark’s King Frederik X and a vocal crowd at La Chapelle Arena.
Key Takeaways
- Viktor Axelsen retained his Olympic men’s singles badminton title.
- He is the first man to do so since Lin Dan in 2008 and 2012.
- Axelsen defeated Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn 21-11, 21-11.
- The match was held at La Chapelle Arena in Paris.
- Denmark’s King Frederik X was present to witness the historic moment.
- Axelsen’s family, including his wife and two daughters, were in the stands.
- Kunlavut Vitidsarn won Thailand’s first-ever Olympic medal in badminton.
A Historic Win
Viktor Axelsen’s triumph in Paris is a significant milestone in his career. The 30-year-old Dane defeated world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in a commanding 21-11, 21-11 victory that lasted just 52 minutes. This win makes Axelsen the first man to retain his Olympic men’s singles title since the legendary Lin Dan, who achieved the feat in 2008 and 2012.
Emotional Victory
Axelsen expressed that winning in Paris meant more to him than his first gold in Tokyo, which was held in a largely empty venue due to COVID-19 restrictions. "This feeling right now means extra to me because my wife and our two daughters were in the stands," said Axelsen. "I am so proud that I have performed in front of the king of Denmark. I’m just on the moon right now."
Acknowledging the Greats
Despite his historic achievement, Axelsen remains humble. He brushed aside suggestions that he had reached the same level as Lin Dan, calling him the greatest of all time. "For me, he is the GOAT and I’m just very happy and proud to be, in Olympic terms, on the same level," Axelsen said of Lin, who was also present in the arena. "But in my eyes, he stands as the best ever."
Thailand’s First Medal
Kunlavut Vitidsarn’s silver medal is a historic achievement for Thailand, marking their first-ever Olympic medal in badminton. It was also Thailand’s first medal of the Paris Games. Kunlavut, who was seeded eighth to Axelsen’s second, acknowledged the challenge of playing against the Danish champion. "Everything he does is very good, but for me it’s OK," said the 23-year-old. "It’s my first time at the Olympics and I got to the final, so I’m very happy."
Other Highlights
- Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia took bronze after beating India’s Lakshya Sen 13-21, 21-16, 21-11.
- China topped the badminton medals table for a seventh straight Olympics, winning golds in the mixed and women’s doubles.
- Taiwan won men’s doubles and South Korea’s An Se-young took gold in women’s singles.
Axelsen’s victory not only cements his place in Olympic history but also adds to his impressive haul of medals, which includes a bronze from the 2016 Rio Games. His performance in Paris will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the 2024 Olympics.
