If the magnitude of one's aspirations is what distinguishes ordinary individuals from legendary figures, then there's no cause for astonishment at Viktor Axelsen's newly acquired residence on Mount Olympus. As he himself recounts, his sole ambition at the age of seven was to stand on the Olympic podium, beaming with a gold medal. It's no mystery why Axelsen was grinning broadly in Paris on Monday, having become the second male badminton player ever to secure consecutive Olympic gold medals. The 30-year-old Danish athlete, a two-time world champion, has solidified his status as one of the all-time greats in badminton with his straight-set victory over Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the final on Monday, just three years after his initial Olympic triumph in Tokyo.
However, his ascent to the pinnacle of the sport isn't solely attributable to talent and diligence. Known for his detailed planning and even having learned Mandarin to better understand the Chinese badminton ethos, Axelsen made a strategic decision four years ago to relocate from Denmark to Dubai. Indeed, following China's Lin Dan, the two-time Olympic and five-time world champion, Axelsen now calls Dubai home. It was in 2020 that he chose to move to Dubai to access some of the world's premier sports facilities. Training regularly at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex with his coaching team, Axelsen appreciates Dubai's central location, which facilitates easy travel to both Europe and East Asia for major badminton competitions. Occasionally, he even invites top players like Singapore's Loh Kean Yew, the 2021 world champion, and India's Lakshya Sen, whom he defeated in the Paris semifinals, to train with him in Dubai.
Having clinched the gold at the Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed due to Covid, in 2021, Axelsen returned to Dubai to express his thanks. "I'm here to celebrate my Olympic gold medal," Axelsen stated during a visit to the Dubai Sports Council headquarters. He also took the opportunity to thank the Dubai Sports Council and Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex for their unwavering support, noting how every visit had been met with incredible support, allowing him to focus on his training and enjoy his life in Dubai.
Axelsen also shared why Dubai holds a special place in his heart, recalling his successes at the Super Series events in 2015, 2016, and 2017 at the Hamdan Sports Complex. "It's a very special place for me," he remarked, expressing his gratitude and happiness to be back in Dubai, where his training experience has been nothing short of amazing. The Dubai Sports Council congratulated Axelsen on his Olympic gold in Paris, highlighting the quality of life and sports facilities in Dubai that have motivated him to continue his training there, aiming for his second Olympic gold.
Axelsen will be 34 by the time the Los Angeles Olympics commence in 2028. Yet, it wouldn't be surprising if he returns to Dubai soon to start preparing. The allure of becoming the only player to win three Olympic golds might be too compelling for someone who dreams on such a grand scale.
