In recent years, Jonas Vingegaard (Danish cyclist athlete) has been honored with the B.T. Gold Award, one of Denmark’s most prestigious sports prizes.
This year, the honor goes to Viktor Axelsen after a remarkable year where the badminton player secured Olympic gold for the second time in his career. The announcement was made by B.T., the media outlet responsible for the award, on its website.
The prize is determined by votes from Denmark’s 40 greatest athletes, following a nomination process where B.T.’s readers propose ten standout sports achievements from the year.
Apart from Axelsen, nominees included the four-kilometer track cycling team, sailor Anne-Marie Rindom, kayaker Mads Brandt Pedersen, the national men’s handball team, cyclists Mads Pedersen, Jonas Vingegaard, and Julie Leth, as well as handball players Mikkel Hansen and Mathias Gidsel.
Typically, the award is presented during DR’s major prize ceremony in Herning. However, this year, B.T. opted to announce it on its platform.
In 2022 and 2023, Jonas Vingegaard claimed the prize for his Tour de France victories.
Axelsen Expresses Gratitude
B.T. surprised the 30-year-old Axelsen with the award upon his arrival at Copenhagen Airport on Friday.
“I am truly proud of this. The B.T. Gold Award means a lot to me because it comes from colleagues and people who put in an incredible amount of hard work and truly understand what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the sports world,” Axelsen said.
“I have immense respect for those who voted for me, and I am deeply grateful. Wow, I’m so happy,” he added.
This marks the fourth time Viktor Axelsen has won the B.T. Gold Award. Only tennis player Caroline Wozniacki has achieved a similar milestone.
Photo: Olympics.com
