Powerful asthma from grass pollen allergy has forced badminton player Viktor Axelsen to withdraw last minute from the European Games, which begins on Friday.
The former World Champion has suffered greatly from grass pollen allergy for some time and has, during the past two weeks, been in treatment at the lung medicine department at Bispebjerg Hospital. Unfortunately, the treatment has not remedied Axelsen's asthma, and he still suffers from coughing and breathing problems. Therefore, there was no other way out than to withdraw at short notice.
“I'm really frustrated with the situation. I had been looking forward to going, and there were also very important points at stake in Minsk in relation to the Olympic qualification. But I'm still not near being able to practice, let alone compete at a reasonable level, and therefore I have to stay home,” Says Viktor Axelsen and continues:
"I would like to wish the other badminton players and all the other Danish athletes at European Games good luck at the European Games. I am sorry not to be able to make them company, but now it is for me to come up again and get a good preparation towards the World Championships in August. "
Honesty and understanding
The withdrawal by Viktor Axelsen is regretful for Jakob Ovesen, who is Chef de Mission for the Danish European Games delegation.
"Viktor is one of the biggest names in Danish sports and of course, also one of the clearly biggest names in the Danish squad. I have known about the health problems he is struggling with, and I hoped that he would be healthy enough to come to Minsk. But I also have full understanding that the circumstances are forcing him to cancel, ”says Jakob Ovesen.
At Badminton Denmark, Sports Manager Jens Meibom is saddened on behalf of Axelsen, but at the same time expresses hope for the future:
"It is, to say the least, a real pity for Viktor. He suffered with asthma last year at the same time and it has now really hit hard again. It is first and foremost a pity for Viktor and here in the short run, it is now that he has to get rid of his genes and get better. And then, he will continue his course and collaborate with the lung medicine department at Bispebjerg Hospital, "says Jens Meibom and continues:
"There are still undone treatment options that will hopefully cure or alleviate his grass pollen allergy, such as vaccination and the treatment options he will now pursue in collaboration with the doctors so that a permanent and lasting solution to his grass pollen allergy can be found. Thus, I hope it is the last year that Viktor is afflicted by his asthma. "
"After coming home from the European Games, we must, together with Viktor and the doctors, discuss how we best deal with his asthma going forward"
As the draw has already taken place, unfortunately, a new men's singles cannot be called as a replacement for Viktor Axelsen. In the Men’s Singles category, Denmark is still represented by Anders Antonsen.