Janjaem Suwannapeng has sent a wave of pride and joy rolling through Thailand after guaranteeing at least a bronze medal for her country in the Paris Olympics.
She secured the remarkable feat with a decisive victory over the defending champion, Busenaz Sürmeneli of Turkey, in the women’s welterweight quarterfinals.
Aged just 23, Janjaem has achieved a significant milestone not only in her own career but also for Thailand’s boxing community, which had been eagerly awaiting such a moment.
Born into humble surroundings in Nong Khai province on September 25, 2000, the girl nicknamed “Bee” by her parents has risen to become a beacon of hope and inspiration for her country.
Rooted in Muay Thai
Janjaem’s love of boxing began at the tender age of 12, fuelled by the passion of her father and grandfather, both big fans of Muay Thai.
Growing up in a boxing family, she naturally gravitated towards the sport. She first climbed into the ring as a student at Wang Luang Pithayasorn School in Nong Khai, competing under the name “Nong Bee P. Prasit”.
After an impressive record of seven fights, she switched to boxing when it became difficult to find suitable Muay Thai opponents. The change of discipline proved to be a pivotal moment in her athletic career.
Spectacular rise
Her rise in the boxing world was swift and spectacular. Janjaem’s stunning performances in the ring earned her a place at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where she demonstrated her exceptional talent by winning a silver medal.
She followed up by clinching another silver at the 2023 Women’s World Boxing Championships before securing a gold medal at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games.
Each victory added to her growing reputation and brought her closer to the pinnacle of her sport.
Now, she has secured Thailand’s place on the podium in Paris after defeating the 2020 Games gold medalist Sürmeneli of Turkey.
She dominated the fight with superior speed and accuracy, securing a 4-1 decision thanks to her consistent jab and powerful combinations.
The monumental win guaranteed her the bronze medal, making her the pride of Thailand and adding glory to her nation’s rich Olympic boxing history.
Controversial opponent in Paris
Janjaem faces the formidable Imane Khelif in Wednesday’s semifinals, a controversial Algerian boxer known for her powerful punches and dominance in the ring.
The Algerian has made headlines around the world over allegations regarding her unusual hormone levels, which some argue give her an unfair advantage.
But Janjaem remains undaunted by the challenge.
“Due to her hormones, she will have the edge in physique and strength of both her upper body and legs. But I’m not that concerned about it. I have trained well and I know her strengths and weaknesses. She is just human like me. There’s nothing to fear,” Janjaem asserted confidently.
Janjaem’s Olympic journey is not just about personal achievement; it embodies national pride.
As Thailand’s sole remaining hope in the boxing, she carries the weight of a nation’s expectations on her shoulders.
After a flurry of medals Thailand’s male boxers have not secured a medal since Kaeo Pongprayoon won silver in the light flyweight at the 2012 London Games, while the women only managed a single bronze three years ago in Tokyo, courtesy of lightweight Sudaporn Seesondee.
“I’m quite nervous being the only hope left in the boxing team,” admitted Janjaem, a fourth-year undergraduate majoring in Physical Education and Health Education at the National Sports University, Sukhothai Campus.
“I think Thais all over the country probably know more about me now. My parents back at home must be very proud. I will try my best to win the silver … and the gold would be very nice.”
As she prepares for her next fight against Khelif, Janjaem’s focus remains unwavering. Her journey from a young Muay Thai enthusiast in Nong Khai to an Olympic medallist is a story of perseverance, hard work, and unyielding spirit.
A shining testament to what can be accomplished with dedication and passion, she stands as an inspiration to aspiring athletes in Thailand and beyond.
In a country that cherishes its sports heroes, Janjaem’s success is a source of immense pride. As she steps into the ring for her semifinal match on Wednesday, the hopes and dreams of a nation will rest on her slender but powerful shoulders.
No matter the outcome, Janjaem has already cemented her place in the annals of Thai sports history.
By Thai PBS World’s Sport Desk
