Double Olympic champion and former world No.1 Viktor Axelsen has brought the curtain down on a distinguished career, cementing his place among the most decorated athletes in badminton history.
Following his retirement announcement, tributes flowed from across the badminton community and beyond.
Among them was former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United footballer Christian Eriksen, who responded with a string of emojis under his compatriot’s post. Brazilian table tennis player Hugo Calderano also shared his appreciation, alongside Danish handball stars Mathias Gidsel and Rasmus Lauge.
Gidsel said: “Saw you live at the Paris Olympics – and wow! Never have I seen such a complete athlete in real life. At the same time, you are so down to earth and real – a huge inspiration to the rest of us.”
Danish Olympic medallist wrestler Turpal Ali Bisultanov echoed those sentiments, lauding Axelsen as “a great athlete and even better human being”.
Denmark’s No.1 tennis player Clara Tauson hailed Axelsen as “a legend forever”.
Holger Rune, another leading tennis player and a close friend of Axelsen, penned a special message.
Badminton’s biggest names also paid tribute to the two-time world champion.
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Olympic champion Carolina Marín, herself a recent retiree, wrote: “Happy retirement my friend. We should enjoy the new chapter of life. Hope to see you soon around the world.”
Lin Dan wrote on Weibo: “Wishing you all the best on your new journey.” Chen Long added: “It’s time to enjoy life. Retirement is even better. Hope to see you again someday.”
Longtime friend Loh Kean Yew described Axelsen as “more than just a rival” while Anders Antonsen thanked his fellow Dane for “raising the bar”.
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Congratulations on a fabulous career, Viktor. Mange tak!
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