Thailand's Puripol Boonson shatters the Asian Games 100m record
In short: In a stunning display of speed in Nagoya, Thailand's Puripol Boonson didn't just win the gold—he systematically dismantled the existing records. By clocking a 9.90, he secured the fastest sprint in Asian Games history, ending a decades-long drought for his nation in this premier event.
Puripol Boonson's performance at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya served as a masterclass in progressive improvement. His potential was evident initially, as he clocked 9.95 during the preliminary rounds to set a personal peak for the year. In the semifinals, he broke Su Bingtian’s previous Games record with a time of 9.91. He then lowered that mark again in the final, crossing the line in 9.90 seconds to claim the gold medal.
This victory was historic for Thailand, marking the first time a Thai sprinter won the men's 100m title in 48 years. The last champions were Anat Ratanapol in 1974 and Suchart Jairsuraparp in 1978. While Boonson's 9.90 is the fastest time ever recorded at the Games, the source notes that only Su Bingtian has ever run faster among Asian sprinters.
The podium was rounded out by Oman's Al Balushi brothers, with Ali Al Balushi taking silver in 10.04 and Mazen Al Balushi securing bronze in 10.11. The competition highlighted a shift in regional dominance, as Boonson moved to second on the Asian all-time list, establishing a new benchmark for the continent's elite sprinters.
The event took place at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium on September 24 and 25, 2026. The progression of the tournament saw Boonson navigate a rigorous qualification structure where the top three and next six fastest from each heat advanced to the semifinals, followed by a top four progression to the final.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Boonson and Chen sprint to Asian Games records in Nagoya | REPORT | World Athletics
- Also: Athletics at the 2026 Asian Games – Men's 100 metres
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