Kyiv: World No. 2 men’s singles player Viktor Axelsen turned into the “Bubble Boy” of badminton when it came to dealing with the challenges of competing at international tournaments during the COVID-19 pandemic and was tested positive for COVID-19.
After it was confirmed he was tested positive with COVID-19 last Saturday, not only that he had to withdraw from the final of the European Championships that was held last Sunday, against compatriot Anders Antonsen, he was also required to isolate himself in his hotel rooms in Kyiv for 13 days.
So, what if he decided not to stay in Kyiv for the complete 13 days? Then, he would need to figure out a way to transport himself back to Denmark in a safe setup to avoid infecting others with COVID-19.
On Monday afternoon, Axelsen packed himself into a sort of plastic protective equipment that looked like a bubble shield and rented a private ambulance jet to send him home.
He posted the following message on his Facebook page about his decision to go back to Denmark instead of staying in Kyiv for 13 days:
“Hi everyone.
First of all I want to thank you all for all your messages and support. I really appreciate it. THANK YOU.
Since testing positive yesterday I’ve been in isolation at my hotel room and I only have really mild symptoms.
After talking with my team and going through my situation multiple times, I’ve decided to personally arrange a privat ambulance jet with the highest safety and medical standards to help me get back home to Denmark.
I will be transferred from the hotel by ambulance, then plane and lastly another ambulance when landing in CPH – all the way in a IsoArk N36-7 Isolation chamber, until I’m back in my quanrantine location in Denmark. At my quarantine location in Denmark, I will be able to follow the right diet and also have the opportunity to do whatever physical training I’m able to do. When arriving in Denmark I will follow the Danish regulations and make sure that I’m tested for any complications properly when time is right. There will also be a medical crew present all the way to Denmark, to make sure that everything is going as planned.
Time is really valuable right now and as we get closer to the Olympics, I will do whatever I can to get back to Denmark and back to training in a safe and responsible way,
without putting anyone in risk. I’ve been training so long and hard to get ready for the Olympics, so hopefully I will be recover from this without any complications and get back to the court soon again. First when I’m cleared by a medical team in Denmark, I will be able to return to the courts.
I realize that I’m really priveleged to be able to do this and my thoughts is with the millions of people around the world, who doesn’t have to resources to fund initiatives like this, let alone get the neccesary medical help when needed the most. It’s hearbreaking and I hope, like everyone else, that this pandemic will be over soon.
A special thanks to my mental coach and close friend BS who will not only be present on the trip home, but who also has helped me get in contact with the amazing and professional crew from Flex Flight who is making sure that I get back home in the safest way possible.
I will keep you posted and thanks once again for your support!
Viggo”
BadmintonPlanet would like to with Axelsen a speedy recovery and hope to see him play at the upcoming Malaysia and Singapore Open.
