THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Olympic medal-winners add shine to the ‘Flag of Nation’ relay

Olympic medal-winners add shine to the ‘Flag of Nation’ relay

Two former Olympic athletes, Yaowapa Boorapolchai and Manus Boonjumnong, joined the “Flag of Nation” relay on Thursday as the nationwide run reached its 26th day.

A total of 4,568 flag runners – athletes, celebrities and members of the public – are running with the flag through 35 provinces as Thailand counts down to the Tokyo Olympics.

Launched in Bangkok on March 28, the flag relay is making its way around the country before being delivered to Suvarnabhumi Airport on May 27.

The flag will then be carried by the Thailand athletics team at the Tokyo Olympics, which runs from July 23 to August 8.

Taekwondo athlete Yaowapa won a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Boxer Manus won the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and silver four years later in Beijing, both at light-welterweight.

On Thursday, Flag of Nation relay runners covered 75.4 kilometres from Saraburi to Nakhon Pathom.

Olympic medal-winners add shine to the ‘Flag of Nation’ relay

Yaowapa ran with the flag, while Manus joined the team of other runners and supporters.

Olympic medal-winners add shine to the ‘Flag of Nation’ relay

Manus told reporters he was happy to take part, despite not getting a chance to carry the flag. He also wished Thailand’s athletes success at this year’s Olympiad.

Olympic medal-winners add shine to the ‘Flag of Nation’ relay

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