Thai Runner's Gold Medal Drama Resolved After Flag Mix-up
Thai-Australian runner Joshua Robert Atkinson and the athletics federation resolved a dispute over a missing Thai flag at his 400-metre gold medal victory at the Asian Games 2026, with federation chairman General Chakthip Chaijinda publicly
Athletics federation releases video of chairman Chakthip Chaijinda embracing and reconciling with Joshua Robert Atkinson after the Thai-Australian runner expressed disappointment that no Thai national flag was ready when he crossed the finish line following his 400-metre gold medal win at the Asian Games 2026. Atkinson's Instagram post acknowledged his disappointment at the missing Thai flag at the moment of victory and questioned why most people doubted his ability.
Atkinson also queried why he was required to wear a headband and specifically why it had to be pink and purple. On 28 September 2026, General Chakthip Chaijinda, chairman of the Thai Athletics Association, gave an interview addressing the matter. The association's Facebook page also shared a video showing General Chakthip embracing Atkinson and discussing the situation with the runner and his mother to clear up the misunderstanding.
