KHON KAEN: Olympic weightlifting heroine Pimsiri "Nong Taew" Sirikaew returned to her home province to a rapturous welcome on Saturday after winning a silver medal for the second time.
Large crowds thronged the welcoming venue in front of the Khon Kaen provincial hall to see the two-time silver medallist.
The 26-year-old athlete was greeted with flowers and garlands when she arrived, as provincial governor Kamthorn Thavornsathit and heads of government offices held a traditional welcoming ceremony.
She claimed a silver medal in the 58kg category at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She is the only Thai weightlifter to win medals, both silver, in two Games in a row. She finished second in London 2012.
Pimsiri said she was very happy to be so warmly received, and that her medal was her gift for all Khon Kaen people. She plans to take a rest with her family at her home in Mancha Khiri district as there are no more competitions this year.
The weightlifters were the stars of the Rio Games for Thailand, with an unprecedented haul of two gold, one silver and one bronze medal. Maj Gen Intarat Yodbangtoey, an adviser to the Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association, attributed the success to a systematic and long-term training plan.
In addition to Pimsiri, Sopita Tanasan and Sukanya Srisurat took home gold and Sinphet Kruaithong bronze. Sopita was also honoured at an event in her home province of Chumphon on Saturday.
Pimsiri said som tam was the first meal she wanted to eat when returning home.
"From now on, I will redeem a vow I made to a spirit in Chiang Mai (after her wish to win a medal come true)," she told the crowd. "In the next four years, I can't tell you now whether I'll have a chance to take part in the next Olympic Games or not. There are young weightlifters to replace me. Besides, I'm getting older and have to look after my health.
"I desire to be a soldier. I made a request earlier to enter military service four years ago when I won my first Olympic silver medal. However, I have to await approval from the army chief. Now, I have another medal."
Her father, Khampun Sirikaew, said he was delighted that his daughter had achieved so much in sports, bringing pride to Thais and Khon Kaen people.
The family would let Pimsiri decide whether to continue competing as a weightlifter, he added. But what the family wanted most was to see her enter military service.
Mr Kamthorn praised Pimsiri for bringing fame to the province and the country, and presented her with a two-baht weight (30.5-gramme) gold necklace. Other public and business groups also gave her gold, cash and other mementoes.
After the ceremony, the silver medallist, accompanied by the governor, boarded a car for a parade around downtown Khon Kaen before she returned to her family home.
Students stand along the roadside to greet Olympic weightlifting medallist Pimsiri Sirikaew. (Photo by Jakkrapan Nathanri)
Khon Kaen governor Kamthorn Thavornsathit congratulates Pimsiri Sirikaew on her success in the 2016 Rio Olympics. (Photo by Jakkrapan Nathanri)
