Axelsen wins second Olympics gold like idol Lin Dan but hails latter as the GOAT

IN 2012, an 18-year-old Viktor Axelsen watched in awe as his idol Lin Dan won his second Olympic gold medal. Four years later, the Dane beat the Chinese legend for the bronze medal.

On Monday, Axelsen was over the over the moon after he had emulated his idol and won his second straight gold medal, beating Thailand’s reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn 21-11, 21-11 in the final in 52 minutes at Adidas Arena in Port de la Chapelle.