Denmark will look to make their mark at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio after their historic Thomas Cup victory on Sunday in Kunshan.
Denmark’s World No. 4 men’s shuttler Viktor Axelsen has made clear that he wants his shot at Olympic glory. “I am confident the Denmark players will prove themselves in the Olympics,” said Axelsen.
Axelsen added: “I believe I can go far in the Olympics because if you don’t believe in yourself then it won’t happen.”
China Names Danish Threats
Axelsen’s Thomas Cup performance has attracted the attention of China’s Chief Badminton coach, Li Yongbo. Li has named Axelsen and his team-mate Jan O Jorgensen as major threats to China’s men’s singles players at the Olympics this summer.
“Now, the competition in Rio is fierce because many players could win the Olympics,” said Li.
Axelsen responded to Li’s comments with a touch of humour. “I guess I might have a good chance if Li Yongbo went out there to say something about me,” he said.
Predictions of Future Stardom
The current President of the Badminton World Federation, Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen, who won the 1996 Atlanta Olympic badminton title, has also predicted that Axelsen could become a badminton superstar in the near future.
“Axelsen has potential to be the World No. 1 player especially when Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei ease into retirement by gradually cutting back from their participation in tournaments after the Olympics,” said Hoyer Larsen.