Thai Athletics Federation Backs Sprinter for Olympic Push

Biew Phuripon Bunsorn, Thailand's top sprinter, made history as the first Thai runner in 48 years to capture the men's 100-metre gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games final on September 26 at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Japan. He clocked an outstanding 9.90 seconds, breaking the Asian Games record after posting 9.95 and 9.91 seconds in his previous two rounds.

Following the race, Pol. Gen. Chakritip Chaiinda, president of the Thai Athletics Association, expressed great happiness at bringing joy to all Thai people. He noted that he had set three goals for Biew before the Games: to make the country proud, to bring honor to the association, and to achieve personal recognition—and all three have been accomplished. Both coach Gentry Bradley and Biew have brought pride to the entire nation.

Pol. Gen. Chakritip revealed that the next target is helping Biew advance to the Olympic Games. When asked whether Coach Bradley's contract would be extended through the Olympics, the general noted that Biew himself has been impressed with the coach's work. He said, "We need to see how long Bradley will stay with us. From our first conversation, we discussed many things. Even during the initial period, he thought of us and returned for a second stint. I believe he is the perfect fit—that's what I discussed with him and why I chose him."

Pol. Gen. Chakritip added that further plans require discussion and collaboration with Coach Bradley, with only the two of them knowing the details. Regarding whether Biew will train abroad, the Thai athletics chief noted that the association is already providing strong support as a home base for the athlete, and Coach Bradley's strategy focuses on getting the association and athlete to the level the public hopes for. Today marks that milestone, and he has already delivered happiness to the Thai people.