Release from 05.02.2026

Jesper Jensen Aabo: “Leading your country as flag bearer is one of the greatest honors you can receive”

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The Olympic Winter Games in Milan/Cortina will officially begin tomorrow, Friday, with their first major highlight – the Opening Ceremony at the legendary San Siro Stadium in front of nearly 80,000 spectators. One of the highest distinctions in sport is to lead your country as flag bearer. This very honor has been bestowed upon Jesper Jensen Aabo: the EC-KAC defenseman will represent Denmark at the Opening Ceremony. In an interview, the 34-year-old speaks about this special recognition. With Markus Lauridsen of HC Falkensteiner Pustertal and Anders Koch of the Moser Medical Graz99ers, two more Danish defensemen from the win2day ICE Hockey League are also part of the Olympic roster. They, too, share their impressions shortly before the tournament begins.

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“I was informed by the federation, and it was an incredibly proud moment. Honestly, it’s something you dream about as an athlete. To lead your country is one of the greatest honors you can receive”, Jensen Aabo says, visibly moved by his role as flag bearer.

Around 80,000 fans will be in attendance at the San Siro, with millions of television viewers watching worldwide as the KAC defenseman enters the stadium first for Denmark, carrying the national flag. For Aabo, it is a moment that is hard to put into words: “It’s hard to put into words. Walking in front of so many fans and knowing millions are watching is going to be very special. It’s not just about me, it’s about representing our country and everyone who has supported us.”

These will be Jensen Aabo’s second Olympic Winter Games. He already took part in Beijing 2022, where Denmark reached the quarterfinals. At that time, however, NHL players were not participating and no fans were allowed in the arenas. This makes the upcoming Games feel even more special to him: “Each Olympic Games is unique, but this one feels extra special. Having the fans back and the best players in the world competing, creates an incredible atmosphere, and I’m truly excited to experience that.”

Immediately after the 2022 Games, the 34-year-old joined EC-KAC. In 183 league games so far, the defenseman has recorded 95 points and has developed into a key component of the KAC lineup. Still, his Olympic nomination came as something of a surprise: “I didn’t expect it. honors like this are never something you assume will come your way. KAC has been important for me. Playing in a demanding environment and competing every day has helped.”

Alongside Jensen Aabo, Markus Lauridsen and Anders Koch are two more players from the win2day ICE Hockey League on Denmark’s Olympic roster. Having three players from the same league in the national team underlines its quality, as Lauridsen emphasizes: “Yes, it definitely shows that the league has a high level and that players from this league can compete internationally.”

Koch also highlights the positive development of the league: “In Denmark, we often compare ourselves with Austria because the national teams are on a similar level. If you compare the Danish league with the Austrian league, the Austrian league is one step ahead and is definitely moving in the right direction.”

Denmark faces a very challenging group at the Olympic Winter Games, with the USA, Germany and Latvia as opponents. However, the team’s recent form is encouraging: at the World Championship in May, co-hosted by Denmark, the team sensationally finished fourth. Markus Lauridsen was part of that squad and believes another surprise is possible: “We know that this group will be a big challenge. But we showed at the World Championship what our team is capable of, and we want to build on that at the Olympic Games.”

For Anders Koch, these will be the first Olympic Games of his career. Accordingly, the 28-year-old’s excitement is immense: “Right now, we’re counting the days. It’s incredibly exciting. Whatever ice time the coaches give me, I’ll take it gratefully – and then we’ll see how it goes.”