KUALA LUMPUR – Viktor Axelsen has put out a warning to the rest of the pack that he will be ‘really scary’ at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
He said that given some time to rest and prepare himself mentally and physically he will be in top form in Paris.
Yesterday, after his defeat to Shi Yuqi in the Malaysia Open semifinal at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, the world number one revealed that he was not in the best shape, both mentally and physically, and wants to take a little time off to recover.
The Dane has been struggling to recover from a foot injury that forced him to withdraw from the Denmark Open, last October.
“I haven’t been feeling that comfortable this week. It was only a few weeks ago that I won the BWF World Tour Finals for the fifth time. You know there is not much rest for badminton players.
“I could have used one week extra to prepare myself but I’m gonna try to take (time off) in January and February to prepare myself mentally and physically.
“After my foot injury, I haven’t been able to at all prepare the way I want to, so there is still a long way to go for me to be at my best,” said the 30-year-old.
Axelsen is the reigning Olympic gold medallist from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and with his spot in Paris pretty much guaranteed by leading the Race to Paris rankings, he says he is all set to defend his Olympic title.
“Like I said earlier I just won the World Tour Finals just a few weeks ago. I feel good, I’m in the right place.
“Give me a few months with proper practice then I’ll be scary for the Olympics,” said the two-time world champion. – January 14, 2024