Paris 2024 Olympics: Viktor Axelsen brushes aside Kunlavut Vitidsarn to defend men’s singles badminton gold

Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen brushed aside Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn to defend his men’s singles badminton Olympic gold in Paris on Monday.

Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in action. | Photo Credit: Hamad I Mohammed/REUTERS

Viktor Axelsen is once again Olympic badminton champion.

The 30-year-old from Denmark defended his men’s singles title Monday by beating Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand for the gold medal. Axelsen defeated Vitidsarn 21-11, 21-11 in the final in just 52 minutes.

Axelsen celebrated by running around the court and waving the red-and-white Danish flag over his head. Fans in the stands chanted, “Viktor! Viktor!”

Axelsen went over to a young fan and handed over his racquet while receiving a constant standing ovation from the crowd.

Axelsen became the first European to win back-to-back badminton singles gold at the Olympics. Like in Tokyo three years ago, his medal in Paris is the only one earned by a European in the sport.

China won five badminton medals; two silvers and three bronze. South Korea, Japan and Malaysia had two apiece.

An Se-young of South Korea beat He Bing Jiao of China for bronze earlier in the day.