Paris, France - July 26, 2024

Storyline:
Danish badminton superstar Viktor Axelsen is aiming for gold at the Paris Olympics, with expectations soaring as he prepares to face Ireland's Nhat Nguyen in a crucial match on Wednesday.

The Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Champion spoke with China Global Television Network (CGTN), emphasizing the importance of focusing on one match at a time as the pressure mounts ahead of tomorrow's match.

Talking of his Chinese-speaking ability, Axelsen said he learned Chinese in search of more opportunities in the badminton-loving nation. Now, he boasts more than a million followers on Chinese social media platform Douyin.

Shotlist:
Paris, France - July 26, 2024:
1. Various of Danish badminton player Viktor Axelsen training;
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Viktor Axelsen, Danish badminton player:
"I feel pretty good right now. I had some injuries this year, but right now I feel okay. I also think I have trained very well."
3. Various of Danish badminton player Viktor Axelsen training;
4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Viktor Axelsen, Danish badminton player (ending with shot 5):
"I think China is a very interesting country. Additionally, I think Chinese players are really strong. I feel I can learn a lot [from them.] Moreover, I know badminton is a very popular sport in China. So, I told myself that if I can speak Chinese, it might bring me many opportunities and allow me to learn a lot."
5. Various of Danish badminton player Viktor Axelsen training
6. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Viktor Axelsen, Danish badminton player:
"My goal is to win the gold medal. However, I think the competition is very fierce, with many strong opponents. So, for me, the most important thing is to focus all my attention on each match because the Olympics come with a lot of pressure. Therefore, I don't want to think too far ahead. I need to take it one step at a time and then hope I can achieve good results."
7. Danish badminton player Viktor Axelsen training.

[Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]