Sprinting star Puripol “Bew” Boonson starred in Thailand’s dominance of the 4x100m relay races by producing yet another breathtaking dash to help the hosts clinch the men’s title in record-breaking style at Supachalasai Stadium on Monday evening.
Prior to the race, the Surin native was given a special treat from Manchester United, the English football club he supports.
The Premier League giants posted a video clip of the Thai athlete speaking about his love for the club in a media interview on their official Facebook page, along with a Thai-language message reading: “Thank you for the love you give. We wish you success in today’s race, ‘Bew’ Puripol Boonson.”
Led by the star sprinter, the Thai quartet — also comprising Thawatchai Himaiad, Chayut Khongprasit and Soraoat Dapbang — set out to seek redemption following a disastrous outing at the previous edition in Cambodia, where they finished a disappointing fourth.
Taking up responsibility in the second leg of the relay, the teenage sprinter showcased his searing pace once again, as his run laid the foundation that eventually enabled Soraoat to pull away from rivals before crossing the line in 38.28 seconds, shattering the Games’ previous mark of 38.58 seconds.
The relay title ensured the 19-year-old, affectionately called “Thep Bew” by fans and media alike for his “god-like” performances, completed the sprinting triple crown following his earlier successes in the men’s 100m and 200m events, both in record-breaking fashion.
It was the second time he had achieved such an outstanding feat at the region’s biennial multi-sport event after capping his debut at the Covid-delayed Games in Vietnam three years ago.
However, the fact that he set a new Games record in each of his three wins this time only made his milestone achievement all the more remarkable.
Monday’s run marked the first time Puripol was deployed in the second leg of the relay, but the teenager insisted he had no qualms about the coach’s decision.
“I only found out just a month before that I would run in the second leg. The coach told me to give it a try, as the second leg is also important and can make a difference.
“Admittedly, I felt a bit excited as I had never run in the second leg before. It involved both receiving and passing the baton. But it turned out well — very good indeed,” said Puripol.
The Thai women’s relay team, consisting of Manatsada Sanmano, Supanich Poolkerd, Sukanda Petraksa and Jirapat Khanonta, produced an even more riveting run to clinch their overall 25th title in the event.
Trailing Vietnam and the Philippines at the start of the home straight, Jirapat somehow embarked on a stunning burst of pace that saw her cross the line first in a gripping finish.
Elsewhere, Thai-Australian athlete Joshua Robert Atkinson, with the 400m title already under his belt, failed in his bid to secure a second gold medal at the home Games in the men’s 800m.
Despite entering the final with the best qualifying time, Joshua was outstripped in the last 50 metres by the Philippines’ Hussein Lorana, leaving him to settle for silver after the Filipino crossed the line a split second ahead.
