Badminton Europe President, Peter Tarcala, watched the men’s singles final in Tokyo, and he is pleased that a European came out on top.

For the first time since 1996, a European men’s singles player claimed the gold medal at the Olympics. Viktor Axelsen is now one of just seven men, who have won the title, and this is for sure a day to remember.

- This is amazing. Not only for Viktor and Badminton Denmark but for all of Europe. This is a historical moment, Peter Tarcala stated.

First Høyer – now Axelsen
Viktor Axelsen is following in the footsteps of the current BWF President, Poul-Erik Høyer, who won the men’s singles final in 1996 in Atlanta, USA.

- Winning the Olympics is a major achievement and being the second European men's singles player to do it, is fantastic, the BEC President said. 

Chen Long came into the Olympic final as reigning Olympic champion, but in Tokyo it was the Danish flag flying high.

Won it all
Viktor Axelsen got his big breakthrough winning the World Junior Championships in 2010, and since then, he has been one of the dominating men’s singles players.

- Viktor has won the European Championships, the World Championships, All England and now the Olympics, Tarcala said.

- He is for sure a legend despite of his young age, and he will forever be one of the biggest European athletes in our sport.

Viktor Axelsen – notable achievements:
Olympic Champion 2021
Olympic bronze medallist 2016
World Champion 2017
European Champion 2016 & 2018
Thomas Cup Champion 2016
European Men’s Team Champion 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020
European Mixed Team Champion 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021
All England Champion 2020