Golden triumph: Thai taekwondo athlete shines at Paris Olympics

Thailand erupted with joy as taekwondo star Panipak Wongpattanakit delivered a stunning victory, securing her country’s first Olympic gold medal by defending her title in the taekwondo women’s flyweight division against China’s Guo Qing.

Panipak, who plans to retire after the Paris Games, ended her illustrious career on a high note by becoming the first Thai athlete to win two Olympic gold medals. Panipak, who turns 27 today, August 8, clinched the victory with a score of 6-3, 2-3, 6-2, with two head kicks earning three points each, sealing her place in history yesterday, August 7.

The final match was her toughest challenge of the day, having breezed through her earlier bouts with two-round wins. Panipak’s determination and skill shone brightly as she fought through pain to achieve her dream.

After her triumphant win, Panipak confirmed her retirement, celebrating the gold by grabbing a Thai flag and leaping into her coach’s arms, reported Thai PBS World.

“I have so much pain, I have a broken knee, and my ankle, my hip… Now, I have to retire.”

Despite her physical struggles, Panipak’s spirit remained unbroken.

“I have a gym in Thailand. If you want to train with me, come to Thailand.”

In related news, Kunlavut Vitidsarn sparkled yet again for Thailand on the badminton court to scoop silver at the 2024 Olympics. Kunlavut emerged as the third Thai badminton player to claim a World Championship title in August last year, joining the ranks of Ratchanok Intanon and the mixed doubles pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai. The historic victory set the stage to claim silver on August 5 at the Paris Olympics.

In other news, the Thailand Sporting Trade Association anticipates a surge in interest in sports among Thais following the successes of Team Thailand at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, offering a prime opportunity to boost sales of sports equipment.