• 
• 

Today, two female Thai weightlifters will compete in an attempt to win the Kingdom its first medals of the Beijing Olympic Games. Pramsiri Bunphithak and Pensiri Laosirikul will challenge the world weightlifting champions from China. The Chinese athletes are favoured due to their higher world ranking than the Thais and their overall better record.

Thai sports fans, however, don't seem too bothered. Broadcasters told their audiences to hold their breath and tune into the competition, which is scheduled to air on local TV this morning.

Sports gurus all predict that Thailand is unlikely to repeat the success it enjoyed in 2004, when the country won three gold medals and served to cheer up an entire nation.

Thai sports fans could care less what such gurus think. They are keen to see their athletes display their fortitude at the greatest sports tournament on earth.

After a series of domestic problems, the mood of the nation is set to get a big boost from the Olympics in Beijing, which will see 51 Thai athletes compete for medals. The event marks a celebration of the human spirit and the athletes' desire to test their limits and strive for new records. The country's happiness index is set to rise over the next two weeks. Thais are set to leave behind their divisions - albeit for a brief period - to cheer for their heroes and heroines.

Even before the Olympics begin, the stories of Thai athletes serve as an inspiration for many. Thai tennis star Tamarine Tanasugarn's resilience in earning her ticket to Beijing proves that anything is possible, so long as you never give up.

Manus Boonjumnong, the 2004 gold medallist in boxing, went back to boot camp after wasting a couple of years with his "party-boy" lifestyle. Manus could not afford to let go of his title easily during these games.

The stories of unsuccessful athletes also reflect the beauty of sports. Millions of Thai fans are rooting for Somjit Jongjohor, the 51-kilogram flyweight boxer, because they believe that this 33-year-old's big moment is finally due. Even though he lost in Athens in 2004, he still won the hearts of the nation. Thais are hoping that Somjit will be able to celebrate his final trip to the Olympic Games by collecting a medal.

At the moment, Thailand is stuck in both a grim political situation and an economic slump. The country's active participation in this year's Olympic Games should be a big morale boost at a time when the country needs it most.

Thais are set to leave their differences behind and unite to cheer for their team. We may not be able to compete with sport juggernauts such as China or the United States, but we can nonetheless be proud of the active participation of our team and the spirit of good sportsmanship that our athletes will showcase to the world.