Exclusive: Lek Chanathip Fulfills Final Gold Medal at SEA Games, Closing His Career

"Lek" Chanathip Sonkham, former taekwondo hero and bronze medalist at the 2012 London Olympics, opens up about the 2015 SEA Games as his final match before retirement. He points out it was the only gold medal he had yet to win and shares thoughts on inspiring provincial youth to join the national team.

Major Cherwoman Chanathip Sonkham, or "Lek," former Thai national taekwondo athlete, Olympic bronze medalist in 2012, and 2015 SEA Games gold medalist, currently serves as director of the Sports Center at Chulalongkorn University and assistant instructor at the Taekwondo Association of Thailand. She candidly discusses her athletic journey and views on the SEA Games hosted by Thailand.

The SEA Games is a major event that draws significant Thai interest, rivaling the Asian Games and Olympics, especially when Thailand hosts. Winning a gold medal on home soil as a representative athlete is considered "a pride greater than just the medal itself."

When asked about the pressure competing in front of a home crowd, Lek Chanathip shared a different perspective, seeing the roaring cheers from the sidelines as "encouragement" that boosts performance, rather than "pressure."

"I see it as support that enhances our performance and gives us the courage to compete more boldly... If we can overcome this pressure, the cheering will truly encourage the athletes," she said.

She also recalled her most memorable moment: winning the Olympic medal in London, which brought her relief and pride in bringing honor to the Thai athlete team.

Despite her Olympic and world champion credentials, competing at the SEA Games brought significant pressure because there was a feeling of "risking her reputation" if she underperformed, as many expected her to win easily.

The SEA Games competition was intense; she was nearly losing with a large point deficit until Coach Che advised her to stay calm. Lek regained her form and ultimately won, a crucial lesson that taught her "never to underestimate any situation," whether in minor or major events.

Ultimately, she succeeded in capturing the 2015 SEA Games gold medal, achieving her personal goal and completing her collection of gold medals from all major competitions as an athlete.

From a provincial child to a sports idol, "Lek Chanathip" admits she started taekwondo relatively late, in early secondary school. Inspired by senior athlete "P'Patiwat Kaewkan," who also came from the provinces, she believes that provincial children can prove themselves and represent Thailand at the national level.

She said being an idol to younger athletes is very positive, as it allows her to be part of inspiring and serving as a "role model" for them to build on her achievements, like passing the baton in a relay race to the next generation.

Her only SEA Games experience in 2015 in Singapore came after winning the Olympic medal and was one of her final competitions before retiring. Despite Coach Che's reassurance that it was "easy," she admitted feeling significant pressure.

"I remember that day’s SEA Games match was tight; I was almost losing... We managed to tie and then win." That experience taught her to "never be complacent in any event," big or small. In the end, she achieved her goal of collecting gold medals from all major competitions in her athletic career.

Lek Chanathip did not forget to send encouragement to the Thai athletes competing as hosts in the SEA Games, expressing confidence in their skills and potential. She called on all Thai people to cheer them on to bring honor to the country.