PHUKET - Thailand's taekwondo Olympic champion, Panipak Wongpattanakit, was given a rousing welcome at the airport when she arrived home on July 26.
The 23-year-old won Thailand’s first gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics women's taekwondo (49kg category) on July 24.
Panipak, at the second outing at the Olympics, made an amazing comeback to win the gold when in the last nine seconds her final two shots against Spanish opponent Adriana Cerezo Iglesias gave her a 11-10 win. She had won bronze in 2016.
Upon arrival, her father, Phuket governor Narong Wunsiew and the Taekwondo Association of Thailand president Pimol Srivikorn were on hand to welcome her.
In a touching moment, Panipak knelt and presented her gold medal to her father.
She placed the gold medal around his neck and he proudly threw his fist into the air, which led to applause from the crowd.
He later placed the medal back around the champion's neck.
She also acknowledged the role played by the coach, her team and the Taekwondo Association of Thailand president.
Panipak also indicated her intention to participate at the next Olympics in Paris in 2024.
After her win on Saturday, she received a reward of 19 million baht (RM2.44 million). - Agencies. July 30, 2021
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