Thai sprinters blitz SEA Games' rivals.

Thai sprinters blitz SEA Games' rivals.

Thailand's sprinters underlined their supremacy in the 24th SEA Games athletics by taking golds in the men's and women's 4x100m relays - and setting the main stadium alight with record-breaking efforts.

Published on December 11, 2007

More than 7,000 spectators were at the stadium yesterday to cheer on the local athletes, especially in the 4x100m relays, which Thailand has won for 10 consecutive SEA Games in the men's category and 13 times in a row in the women's category.

In a display that lived up to their potential and reputation, the women's foursome of Sangwan Jaksunin, Supavadee Khawpueak, Orranut Klomdee and Nongnuch Sanrat stormed home in 44 seconds, bettering the previous Games record of 44.3 set in Manila two years ago. Vietnam finished second in 45.62, with Malaysia third with a time of 46.38.

It was a scintillating win for the Thai girls, who also won at the Asian Championships in Amman, Jordan, this year for the third consecutive time. Their superb form improved Thailand's 4x100 performance in the SEA Games to 13 wins a row and 18 overall. The team celebrated their victory by carrying the Thai flag on a lap of honour, much to the joy of the home crowd.

Supavadee, the track queen who won four golds at the 2001 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games and the Best Female Athlete Award there, said yesterday: "I'm very excited, as I was replacing [the injured] Juthamas [Thaworn-charoen]. However, I knew that I could make it. I felt no pressure. I have seen the performances of most of the competitors here."

Team-mate Orranut added: "Unlike Supavadee, I felt a lot of pressure. I tried to tell myself that I could do it. I think we produced excellent baton hand-overs today. That's the reason why we broke the record and also retained the crown."

Meanwhile, experienced veteran Sittichai Suwonprateep anchored an impressive men's quartet that included the Doha Asiad bronze medallists Wachara Sondee and Sompote Suwannarangsri to cross the line in a record-breaking 38.95 seconds, eclipsing their previous Games mark of 39.11 set in Brunei in 1999.

Indonesia and Malaysia came second and third in 39.79 and 39.90 seconds respectively.

"I'm delighted to make my debut with the team a great success," said Siriroj Darasuriyong, who ran the second leg.

Team-mate Sittichai added: "It's like a soccer team that needs an adjustment in the team. Siriroj is a newcomer but, as the coach said, anyone can run in the starting line-up. We proved this; although we had a new runner, we succeeded."

In other track and field events, Sompong Saombankuay also set a new record of 5.10 metres to take his third consecutive SEA Games gold in the pole vault.

Wansawang Sawasdee threw a season-best 54.13m to win the gold in the men's discus and Boonthung Srisung captured his second gold of this Games in the men's 10,000m after completing the gruelling 25-lap run in 30 minutes, 51.66 seconds.

The Kingdom's athletes took five of the nine golds on offer in the track and field competition yesterday.

Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

Nakhon Ratchasima