Panipak aims for final gold at Paris 2024 Olympics

Thailand’s taekwondo sensation, Panipak “Tennis” Wongpattanakit, has her eyes firmly set on another gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. After her stunning victory in Tokyo three years ago, Tennis, now 26, is looking to replicate her success and cement her legacy in the sport.

Approaching her late twenties, Tennis remains the top-ranked athlete in her weight category and Thailand’s best hope for taekwondo gold. Recently recovering from an injury, her coach Chatchai Choi confirms she is back to full health and ready for the challenge. Tennis has announced that Paris 2024 will be her final competition before she retires to focus on her taekwondo school in Thailand, Panipak Taekwondo.

Joining Tennis in Paris will be two teammates making their Olympic debuts: Banlung Tubtimdang in the men’s 68kg category and Sasikarn Tongchan in the women’s 67kg category. Under coach Chatchai Choi’s guidance, this trio aims to expand Thailand’s taekwondo medal tally, which currently includes one gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.

Beyond taekwondo, Thailand’s Olympic ambitions stretch across multiple sports, with boxing being the most successful. The nation has secured 15 Olympic medals in boxing and will send eight fighters to Paris. Leading the charge for the men is Thitisan Panmot in the 51kg category, accompanied by five talented female fighters.

Tennis, carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations, remains optimistic about her chances.

“I think I can win gold if I do my best.”

As she prepares for her final Olympic appearance, Tennis aims to make history once more and inspire future generations of athletes, reported The Pattaya News.

In related news, King Rama X boosts Thai sports culture with lifelong passion. King Rama X’s lifelong passion for sports has made a significant impact on Thailand’s sporting culture. His journey began at a young age when he mastered horseback riding at around 11 years old, quickly proving himself to be an adept rider.