Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Gold medal winner Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Viktor Axelsen, made a fuss by leaving the training center in Denmark and settling in Dubai.
Axelsen’s unilateral decision made the Danish badminton federation (DBF) disappointed. However, what can I say, the men’s singles world number remains the spearhead of Denmark in international championships.
Axelsen remains a hero to society after winning a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on August 2, 2021. His name still smells good even though he doesn’t train with his compatriots in Brondby.
The 27-year-old badminton player chose to stay in Dubai with medical considerations. He admits that he often experiences allergies when summer arrives in Denmark. While he never experienced it while living in Dubai.
In addition, Axelsen can also spend more time with his wife and child who was brought to Dubai. He does not have to travel far to appear in the prestigious BWF championship which is mostly held in Asia.
DBF may be upset, but Axelsen is an asset as well as a legend of Danish badminton. His name is recorded as the first European badminton player to win a medal in two consecutive Olympics.
Viktor Axelsen first won the 2016 Rio Olympics medal before successfully winning the gold medal by defeating China’s mainstay, Chen Long, in the final.
Viktor Axelsen’s achievement paid for the 25-year wait for the Danish men’s singles. The last time the Danish men’s singles won a gold medal was through Poul Erik Hoyer at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Viktor Axelsen is also listed as the third European badminton player after Hoyer and Carolina Marin (2016 Rio Olympics) to win a gold medal.
Axelsen’s talent was evident from a young age. His achievement started when he successfully won the 2010 BWF Guadalajara Junior World Championship in the men’s singles sector.
His achievements continued when he stepped up his career in the Danish senior team by becoming runner-up at the 2012 French Open. Four years later, Axelsen bagged a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The man born in Odense Denmark did not stop making surprises at various international events that led to a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Viktor Axelsen got the gold medal after defeating Chen Long (China), 21-15, 21-12 in the final which took place at Musashino Forest Plaza, early August.
Axelsen can still go further to make Denmark proud on the international stage. The decision to train in Dubai does not necessarily make him a traitor because he remains a Danish citizen.
(jun / jal)
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