When "Bew Phuriphon" broke the 10-second barrier, nothing can stop him today! He then went on to win gold in the 200m at the 2026 Asian Games.
Phuriphon Boonsoon has long strived to run the 100 meters in under 10 seconds, where a good start is absolutely crucial.
In fact, running 100 meters in his youth may not have been "Thep Bew's" favorite distance, but the 200 meters is where he feels most comfortable. Even with a poor start, there is time to catch up and secure gold. However, in the 100 meters, a bad start could mean no gold at all.
"Bew" was talented from a young age, winning three gold medals at the 2021 SEA Games (held in 2022). His body sometimes suffered from the strain typical for his age and muscle development. Many remember the 2023 SEA Games when Phuriphon suddenly cramped his left thigh muscle in the last 50 meters of the men's 200m final, causing concern among many.
He never gave up, fighting through every challenge. He returned to rigorous training, improving his starts and practicing 60-meter sprints alongside longer distances consistently. When Gentry Bradley joined as coach, his progress accelerated dramatically.
Bew broke the 10-second barrier at the 2025 SEA Games with a time of 9.94 seconds. Then in 2026, before the Asian Games, he ran 9.99 seconds, and at the 2026 Asian Games qualifying round, he recorded 9.95 seconds.
In the semifinals, he ran 9.91 seconds, and in the final, he secured gold with a record time of 9.90 seconds.
The pressure of the 10-second barrier was repeatedly broken, which made the 20-year-old's favored 200-meter event seem more relaxed. In the semifinals, he set a record of 20.10 seconds, breaking the previous Asian Games record without running at full effort, indicating he had more to give.
Therefore, it was no surprise how "Bew" performed in the recently completed 200-meter final.
As mentioned, breaking the intimidating 10-second barrier means there is nothing left to fear or to stop him now.
Thai people will continue to support "Thep Bew" as he pursues his dream of reaching the Olympic final.