Thai Cyclist Sunisa Finishes 35th at Youth Olympics
Thai cyclist Sunisa Jomthong placed 35th in the women's road race at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, enduring extreme heat that caused many competitors to drop out. Cycling Association President Pol. Gen. Decha Hemkrasi praised her determination and noted she will also compete in the time trial event.
Pol. Gen. Decha Hemkrasi, President of the Cycling Association, revealed that rising star cyclist Sunisa Jomthong fought hard in the road race at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, amid extreme heat.
Pol. Gen. Decha Hemkrasi, President of the Cycling Association, disclosed that the association had sent rising athlete Sunisa Jomthong to compete at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. A report from 'Coach Bee' via Pol. Lt. Col. Juthathip Maniphon, team manager and coach, indicated Sunisa's performance in the women's individual road race was commendable.
Pol. Gen. Decha stated that according to Coach Bee's report, the circuit road race required 7 laps of 8.5 km each, totaling 59.5 km, with athletes from 42 nations competing in scorching heat that forced many to withdraw. However, Sunisa fought tenaciously to stay with the pack and finished 35th with a time of 1 hour 45 minutes 26 seconds. The gold medal went to Angelina Novolodskaya of Russia in 1 hour 31 minutes 19 seconds. Seven athletes, including a host nation competitor, did not finish. Sunisa has one remaining event: the individual time trial, featuring 42 athletes from 42 nations over one 8.5 km lap.
Pol. Gen. Decha added that Sunisa is a rising star with a bright future, having represented Thailand at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain in 2025. The association has a strategic plan to continuously and sustainably promote cycling excellence, selecting potential athletes from the national road championships held throughout the year to bolster the national team for international competitions, not only in road but also mountain bike, BMX, and track. If any athlete shows outstanding skill, the association will consider them for the national team.
