SURIN — The Thai national team has won another medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. “Wave” Weeraphon Wichuma from Surin Province secured the silver medal in the men’s weightlifting category up to 73 kg.
He is another athlete from the northeast of Thailand to win a medal, following “Fang” Theeraphong Silachai from Sisaket province, who won silver in the men’s weightlifting up to 61 kg.
The cheering crowd in Surin for “Wave” Weeraphon was so enthusiastic, even though it was late at night in Thailand, around 1.00 to 2.30 a.m.
At house number 32, Moo 6, Ban Kaen Methee, Kud Wai Subdistrict, Sikhoraphum District, Surin Province, a projector was set up in front of the house on Thursday evening so that relatives, neighbors and villagers could support Weeraphon. His parents, Mr. Nil and Mrs. Chantra Wichuma, focused intently on the screen.
Before the competition, the couple lit incense and prayed to a picture of Luang Singh Thammasaro, a revered monk who Weeraphon respects, which was placed next to the screen.
In the first discipline, the snatch, the fans were very worried as Weeraphon’s score was lower than that of his competitors. During the clean and jerk competition, however, the crowd went wild as Weeraphon improved his performance, catching up and eventually winning 2nd place.
Mr. Nil and Mrs. Chantra Wichuma almost fainted from sheer excitement, whereupon neighbors and relatives offered smelling salts.
The parents expressed their great joy in tears. When they saw their son in 9th place, they didn’t know what to do at first and never thought he could catch up. But later they were relieved and proud of their son’s achievement. They plan to fulfill their vow to holy entities as they promised now that success has come. They also thanked the entire nation for cheering their son on.
Afterwards, Weeraphon’s parents bowed to the image of Luang Pu Singh placed next to the projection screen as a gesture of gratitude and relief.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin congratulated Weeraphon on the morning of 9 August, stating, “Thailand’s sixth medal, another source of pride for the Thai people.”
The Prime Minister pointed out that our wave not only won the silver medal, but also broke the junior world record in the clean and jerk by lifting 198 kilograms with a total weight of 346 kg — a remarkable achievement.
As for the prize money, Wave Weeraphon will receive 7.2 million baht from the National Sports Development Fund (NDSF) and the Sports Authority of Thailand. The amount will be paid out 50 percent as a lump sum, with the remaining 50 percent being distributed monthly over a period of four years.
Weeraphon will also celebrate his 20th birthday on August 10
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