Thai Sprinter Boonson Smashes Records in New Taipei City

Nineteen-year-old Thai sprinting prodigy Puripol Boonson claimed the gold medal in the men's 200 meters at the New Taipei City International Athletics Open on June 7, 2026. Despite challenging track conditions due to rain, Boonson powered through to clock an impressive 20.03 seconds.

His dominant performance not only shattered the previous meet record of 20.54 seconds, set by Japan's Shota Iizuka last year, but also established a new Thai national record. This new mark surpasses Boonson's own previous record of 20.07 seconds, making it the fastest time ever recorded on a track in Taiwan and Thailand.

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Taiwan's weather is very similar to Thailand's, but perhaps there is more rain, which meant the warm-up could not be done very thoroughly, but it's not a big problem, we can adapt very well.

Following his victory, Boonson commented on the similarities between Taiwan's weather and Thailand's, acknowledging the rain but emphasizing his team's ability to adapt. He expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic support from the Taiwanese fans, which he said made the experience "wonderful."

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And Taiwan has great fans who cheer for me enthusiastically, which makes everything feel wonderful.

Boonson highlighted the specific coaching advice he received regarding his start and his favorite part of the race: the final 100 meters after the curve, where he felt he could best apply his training. He aims to achieve further success at the upcoming Asian Games.

India's Animesh Kujur secured the silver medal with a time of 20.47 seconds, also breaking the meet record. Taiwan's Ge Wu-Yan-Ming took the bronze, finishing in 20.65 seconds.

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If I had to say my favorite part, it would be right after exiting the curve into the final 100 meters. That's the stage where I can inject the most power and fully unleash the results of my training.