Prodigious sprinter Puripol Boonson stole the limelight in Thailand’s solid start to the 33rd SEA Games track and field competition with his scintillating 9.99-second dash to claim the men’s 100m title at Supachalasai Stadium on Thursday.
The debacle in Phnom Penh two years ago — when injury deprived him of the chance to defend his 100m crown — left the teenage sprinter steely determined to redeem his ill-fated outing with a triumphant return at the venue he has been fond of since childhood.
All eyes at the stadium were on the 19-year-old, the poster boy of Thai athletics since announcing his arrival on the international stage with a sprint triple crown on his debut at the Covid-delayed Games in Vietnam in 2022.
An outburst of cheers erupted from the expectant crowd as soon as the blue-ribbon event began, with Puripol bursting out of the blocks before clocking 9.99 seconds.
The teen sensation did not manage to better the 9.94 seconds he recorded in the qualifying round. But his winning time ensured he captured the 100m title on home soil with a sub-10-second performance at his favourite venue, just as he intended.
Draped in the Thai flag and holding up a portrait of Their Majesties the King and Queen, Puripol soaked in the adoration of the cheering crowd.
“I’m so happy to achieve my first-ever nine-second runs. Crossing the line, it’s absolutely a burst of delight. The association had the American coach train me specifically, and that eventually helped me win again,” said Puripol.
Puripol’s victory capped an already fruitful day for the Thai athletics contingent.
In the women’s discus throw, Subenrat Insaeng — dubbed the “SEA Games queen” for the seven titles she has won since 2011 — lived up to her billing with a remarkable throw of 58.86 metres to secure her record-extending eighth gold.
Earlier in the day, Thai-American middle- and long-distance star Kieran Tuntivate successfully defended his men’s 1,500m title, crossing the line in 3:47, an improvement from his winning time of 3:58 at the 2023 Games in Cambodia.
“I’m glad to race on the track in Thailand for the first time. Previously, I only competed in road events here. I’m so proud. The Games on Thai soil have a special meaning for me. I’ve never competed at the Games in Thailand before.
“Next up is the 5,000m on December 13, followed by the 10,000m on December 16. It’s time to rest now. Hopefully, I can win both remaining events,” said Kieran.
In the women’s 100m race, Jirapat Khanonta fell short of matching Puripol’s exploits, finishing behind defending champion Veronica Shanti of Singapore to settle for the silver medal.
