“I always try to dream big, and try to have the confidence I can realise it. That’s how I train, and that’s how I go on to the court. That’s probably why at a relatively young age I’m able to achieve a lot of things. My golden age isn’t here yet. With more experience, I will be able to show even better matches to you.” – An Se Young

“For my first gold, I couldn’t dare believe that was possible. It was a strange feeling winning at Tokyo 2020 with no spectators. It shows all the hours of hard work, practice and sacrifice mean more. To do it once is crazy, to do it twice, I’m a bit in shock. I want to enjoy my second gold. I haven’t really grasped the magnitude of this. I’ve come through injuries to win. Even yesterday I didn’t believe I could do it. Maybe I will go for another Olympics.” – Viktor Axelsen

“I don’t know why I cried, but I couldn’t hold (back) my tears. Maybe it’s because I had mixed feelings, too many feelings, and I’m overwhelmed. The pin I wore is from the Spanish Badminton Federation because my (semifinal) opponent (Carolina Marin) withdrew through injury. I pity her, because she’s an outstanding athlete and opponent. I hoped to carry her spirit into the final. I wish her a full recovery.” – He Bing Jiao

“Everything might not have gone as well as I wanted and it’s my first time at the Olympics. I accept Axelsen is really strong and I will try again in the future.” – Kunlavut Vitidsarn

“I’m proud to represent Indonesia at the Olympics, and I hope this medal means better things are coming. Too many people to thank. I can’t name them all, but of course my family, team and everyone in this long journey. I wish our climbers competing today all the best, and the same to our other athletes in the next few days.” – Gregoria Mariska Tunjung

“After losing the semifinal, I wasn’t sure I wanted this medal. My goal was only gold, you know how much I wanted to prove myself. It’s also the only medal Malaysia are missing. It feels like I got slapped by Kunlavut from a very good dream. I was blank at that moment, I couldn’t eat or sleep well after that. This morning I didn’t eat much. I was quite worried about my condition because you need a lot of energy (but) it’s been an unbelievable journey here.” – Lee Zii Jia

“I couldn’t really give my best. He started getting a good momentum and then pressure started building. It was hard to control the rallies. My hand was bleeding so it stopped play at times (but) it’s just a bruise. Then they put a plaster on but still it was bleeding and that disturbed me a bit.” – Lakshya Sen

“This is an amazing achievement for him (Axelsen), the second time in a row as Olympic champion. It’s unbelievable. The way he mastered the match makes us proud in Denmark. Axelsen is a major asset for our country, he’s a fantastic ambassador, also because he learned the Chinese language. He’s a pro in all of his mindset. Axelsen is also a promoter of good sport, fairplay and an extreme ‘feel’ for his own sport.” – King Frederik X of Denmark