Ohhh the level (physical, technical, strategical and mental) of Kevin Cordon to finish 4th. Gives you an idea of the level! Yeah right!
@LenaicM Can we be a bit realistic here? Here is some realistic considerations for you. Yes you need to be at a good level physically, technically, strategically and mentally. But if we look at this Olympics in particular, a Kevin Cordon was able to finish 4th, yes he played amazingly but that is by his modest standards. This shows that the level of this Olympics which was quite low.
Axelsen absolutely walked over Chen Long and SYQ. Chen Long swiftly beat Ginting who was able to get rid of Antonsen.
Do you really think your 'as if' legend, CTC, was playing his best badminton? For me not at all, I've seen a much better CTC play Axelsen.
By that I am taking nothing from Axelsen because he absolutely destroyed everyone. He alone was on an acceptable level.
So yeah while you need to be at a good level (physical, technical, strategical and mental) in the Olympics. It is not to be considered a benchmark especially especially especially this Olympics.
If you argue that this Olympics is where everyone were at their best (physical, technical, strategical and mental) - then you are absolutely deluded. Think of the effect of Covid-19, think of the lack of tournaments and so on.
I'm sorry but do not put words in the mouth of LCW fans. LCW is an absolute legend and he is the embodiment of badminton. For me it is only a matter of Lin Dan getting the better of him. And even if Lin Dan has the gold in Olympics and silver in Olympics for LCW means nothing - he is still considered the absolute legend. Some even consider him to be more of a legend than Lin Dan.
So I am not taking anything from Axelsen - he walked over everyone. And I can ensure you that for now, Axelsen is the most complete player in MS. He can rally for a long time, he has nukes of smashes, he has great reach and his agility is amazing. The only players who can challenge him for now is a beast mode Ginting and a revigorated SYQ and Antonsen.
Now here me out.
Even though Axelsen has won the OG, while he can be considered as a legend to some now, in 20 years unless he accomplish more stuff - he will still not be recognised much. Why? Because of LCW and Lin Dan! These two will always outshine him. Oh yes because Lin Dan won two OGs and 5 WC. Well I wonder why LCW would still be considered more of a legend? He didn't win any OG! Use your brain here.
The same goes for Momota. For now he can be considered as a legend to some now, but in 20 years he will be outshone by Lin Dan and LCW. If he wants to be remembered despite these two, he will indeed need to accomplish a lot more. And that's the same for Axelsen.
This can turn into a battle of words - GOAT vs Legends. If that's the case then the GOATs would be LCW and Lin Dan and the legends you will have Momota, Axelsen, Taufik etc etc.
Let's hope that Momota can really get back on his feet and find his true level.