Before the final, the Danes – identifiable by their red jerseys, red and white flags and hats with horns on either side – danced to the disco beats playing on the high-quality sound system at the Arena de la Porte de la Chapelle on the northern tip of Paris.
After the showdown between their own Viktor Axelsen and Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, they struck again to celebrate the country’s first gold medal at the Paris Games and Axelsen’s entry into Olympic legend.
The 2016 Olympic bronze medallist joined China’s Lin Dan as the only other man to win back-to-back Olympic crowns.
And he did it in style, taking 52 minutes to eliminate 23-year-old Vitidsarn 21-11, 21-11.
“Axelsen kicked his ass,” said Jan Leschly, who was born in Denmark but clearly Americanized after moving to the United States 45 years ago.
“It was amazing,” added the 83-year-old, who came from San Francisco with his son Mark and grandson Bo.
The troika was part of the Danish din among the 8,000 supporters who cheered and chanted: “Viktor! Viktor!” as the 30-year-old advanced inexorably towards nominative determinism.
Change
As waves of red gathered in phalanxes preparing to move south to continue the post-victory festivities, the three happily admitted to turning their coats Sunday to howl for the stars and stripes of the American flag at the women’s cycling road race through downtown and to the Stade de France where their compatriots Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley finished first and third, respectively, in the men’s 100m final.
“Oh, we were definitely American last night,” Mark smiled.
Before heading to Denmark and returning to the United States, a trip to the Versailles equestrian events and another session at the Stade de France were on the agenda.
“No rain, not many cars around and the metro is working well, it’s great,” Jan added.
Plans
As the Leschley family completes their busy itinerary, the hero of the day said he plans to spend time with loved ones to savor the moment.
“Winning the first gold medal in Tokyo was a bit of a strange feeling because there weren’t many people there due to the Covid restrictions.
“Winning here in front of so many Danish fans, my wife, our two daughters, my family and friends… this second gold medal simply means more than the first,” Axelsen added. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Peter Isager and Line Lyngdorf also celebrated a second medal.
The couple from Aarhus on Denmark’s east coast were at the team dressage event at the Palace of Versailles to watch Denmark take silver.
Axelsen’s gold made them consider themselves lucky charms.
“You come to badminto and you see a Danish winner and you hear the national anthem, it’s very emotional,” said Isager who praised the country’s king for attending the final.
“He is a people’s king,” Lyngdorf added.
Before returning home, the couple said they planned to watch the athletics at the Stade de France and the canoeing on the penultimate day of competition.
“We were walking around Paris,” Isager said. “Everything seems so calm and safe.”
Lieu
With his place firmly entrenched in badminton mythology, Axelsen was asked about life after death and a possible ambassadorial role. The suggestion was politely rejected, as was his position in badminton royalty.
“Lin Dan… he’s the greatest of all time,” Axelsen said with a wink.
“Obviously when you look at the Olympic medals, I’ve got two golds and a bronze… he’s got two golds but he’s got a lot more All-England titles, a lot more world championships, Thomas Cups.
“For me, he’s the best. I’m very happy and proud to be at the same level as him on the Olympic level. But in my eyes, he’s the best of all time.”
For the Danes leaving the La Chapelle Arena, Axelsen is now in this game.
2024-08-05 20:05:07
#Axelsen #enters #legend #backtoback #badminton #gold #medals #Denmark
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