Viktor Axelsen has once again cemented his place among Denmark’s greatest sports icons and is now in the final for the title of Sports Name of the Year 2024.
With the Olympic gold in Paris as the crowning achievement of a year marked by triumphs and overcoming challenges, Axelsen is among the favorites to receive the prestigious prize, which is awarded by DIF and Team Denmark during SPORT 2024 on 4 January in Herning.
2024 has been another magnificent year for Axelsen, who at the age of 30 continues to dominate the international badminton world. His performance at the Paris Olympics was nothing short of historic.
With convincing victories in all his matches, without losing a single set, Axelsen secured his second Olympic gold medal in a row.
The convincing 21-11, 21-11 final victory over Thai world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn not only marked his status as one of the world’s best, but also as the first Danish badminton player to win Olympic gold twice.
Despite injury problems earlier in the year, Axelsen managed to stay among the world’s elite. The victories in Malaysia and Hong Kong testify to his ability to overcome adversity and perform at the highest level.
His current position as number three in the world rankings underlines that Axelsen remains a dominant force in men’s singles.
Chairman of DIF, Hans Natorp, highlights Axelsen’s Olympic triumph as one of the most inspiring achievements of the year and pays tribute to his importance to Danish sports:
“Viktor Axelsen’s achievements in 2024 underline his status as one of the greatest athletes in Danish sports history. Viktor is an ambassador for the sport and a role model who continues to inspire.”
Sports name of the year 2017 and 2021
Team Denmark’s chairman, Lars Krarup, shares the excitement and calls Axelsen “one of the greatest men’s singles players in history” and a source of inspiration for young athletes in Denmark and internationally.
With the nomination, Axelsen is in sharp company. The men’s national handball team has already been confirmed as a co-finalist, and the third finalist will be announced next week.
The winner is chosen on DR1’s live show, where Denmark’s sporting highlights are celebrated, and where Axelsen has the chance to win the title of Sports Name of the Year for the third time in his career (2017 and 2021).
