Thai Sprinter Puripol Boonson Shatters 100m Barrier in SEA Games

Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson made history on December 11, 2023, by becoming the first Southeast Asian man to complete the 100 meters in under 10 seconds. During the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at the Suphachalasai National Stadium in Bangkok, Boonson clocked an impressive time of 9.94 seconds in the heats, easily securing his place in the finals.

At just 19 years old, Boonson’s performance marks a significant milestone in Southeast Asian athletics. His previous personal best was 10.06 seconds, achieved at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he earned a silver medal. This latest achievement propels him ahead of Indonesia’s Lalu Muhammad Zohri, who previously held the title of the fastest Southeast Asian sprinter with his time of 10.03 seconds at the 2019 Seiko Golden Grand Prix in Osaka.

Boonson’s remarkable speed has not only set a new standard for the region but also showcases the growing competitiveness of Southeast Asian athletes on the international stage. The finals will see Boonson and his fellow competitors, including Singaporean sprinter Marc Brian Louis, who qualified with a time of 10.38 seconds, battle for the gold medal.

As the excitement builds around the 33rd SEA Games, fans can catch all the action live on mewatch. Sign up for free at www.mewatch.sg/thailand2025 and follow the Mediacorp Sports channels on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest updates.

This historic performance by Puripol Boonson not only elevates his status within the sport but also inspires a new generation of athletes across Southeast Asia. As the region continues to develop its athletic programs, Boonson’s achievement serves as a beacon of potential and ambition.