How likely is Kirin Tantivet to earn a spot in the 2028 Olympics after breaking Thailand's marathon record?
Recent news in Thai athletics has been positive. "Thep Bew" Puripol Boonsorn secured two gold medals in the 100 m and 200 m at the 2026 Asian Games, while Joshua Robert Atkinson also won gold in the 400 m.
Kirin Tantivet did not compete in the 2026 Asian Games because he informed the Athletics Association in June that he would stop competing in the 1,500 m, 5,000 m, and 10,000 m events, so he did not participate in the Asian Games. He expressed regret but said that his coach and advisors recommended focusing on marathon training this year to pave the way for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Most recently, Kirin competed in the 2026 Chicago Marathon, finishing with a record time of 2:08:01, breaking another Thai national record. He now holds Thailand's records in 1,500 m, 3,000 m, 5,000 m, 10,000 m, 10 km, half marathon, and marathon events.
Did you know that Kirin’s marathon record of 2:08:01 in Chicago was faster than Eliud Kipchoge’s winning time at the Melbourne Marathon on the same day? Kipchoge ran 2:09:10.
What are Kirin’s chances of qualifying for the 2028 Olympics?
Looking back at the 2024 Olympics in Japan, the qualifying standard was set at 2:08:10. Kirin’s 2:08:01 time surpasses this mark. If he continues to maintain his performance at this level when new standards are announced, Kirin will secure his ticket to the 2028 Olympics immediately.
From holding Thailand's track records in distances from 1,500 m to 10,000 m to now owning all the national road running records, Kirin Tantivet is truly exceptional.
Whether or not he makes it to the 2028 Olympics, everyone is cheering him on!