Weightlifters Premsiri and Pensiri are Thailand’s best bets

(BEIJING, July 17) -- Thailand’s seven-member weightlifting squad for the Beijing Olympic Games, led by Athens Olympic bronze medalist Wandee Kameaim, has been confirmed by the Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association (TAWA).

At the 2004 Olympic Games, Thailand won two gold and two bronze medals for the sport. This Olympic team is not as strong as the one in Athens because of the retirement of gold medalists Udomporn Polsak and Pawina Thongsuk.

The Thai women's team includes Premsiri Boonpitak and Pensiri Laosirikul in the 48 kg class, and Prapawadee Charoenrattanatarakul and Wandee Kameaim in the 53 kg class. They will compete in the first three days of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Premsiri’s personal best is 200 kg, Pensiri’s is 199 kg and Prapawadee set hers at 235 kg.

The men's team includes Pongsak Maneethong competing in the 56 kg division with a personal best of 272 kg, Phaisarn Hansawong in the 62 kg category with a personal best of 310 kg, and Sittisak Supaluk, who set a personal best at 330 kg, in the 69 kg class.

TAWA president Bussaba Yodbangtoey says Premsiri and Pensiri could be their team’s best medal bets, but they will face tough competition against lifters from China with records between 213-217 kg.