Thongchai Jaidee talks about his pride of representing Thailand at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August. With multiple victories in Asia and Europe, Thongchai hopes to add another milestone in his storied career by winning a medal for his country. His chat with Asian Tour.
What does it mean to you to try to win a medal and represent your country at the world’s greatest sporting spectacle?
The Olympics is the greatest sporting event in the world so I’m grateful to be a part of it. To be honest, I’m proud and excited to represent Thailand. I really can’t wait to be there. If I do win a medal, it will be a plus but representing my country and Asia is what I’m really looking forward to.
Compared to your other milestones/achievements in your career, where does competing in the Olympics rank for you?
I’ve won many events in Asia and Europe and play in all the Major tournaments. The only sporting event missing from my career is playing in the Olympics so it really ranks on top of my list.
Does winning an Olympic medal surpass the joy and expectations of winning on the Asian Tour or any other Major Tours in the world?
The ultimate goal is to win in any tournament which I’m playing in but if I do win a medal at the Olympics, it will be an entirely different story. When you win for your country, the feeling is definitely better than winning it for yourself.
Are you planning to spend some time off and watch other sports while you are in Rio for the Olympics?
I’d love to, but unfortunately with a very tight schedule, I will not be able to do so.
Growing up, what are your thoughts on the Olympics, what was your favourite sport that you would follow and who is your favourite athletic?
I always wanted to play football professionally before I pursued golf. I’ve always hoped to watch our Thailand football team make it to the Olympics. I’m still waiting and I can’t wait for the day to come.
If you can compete in another Olympic sport, which one would it be?
It will definitely be football. Football is such a popular sport in Thailand and I’m a keen footballer myself.
What’s your most memorable Olympic memory?
To be honest, I’m always busy playing golf and it is difficult to watch any the Thai sportsmen or women on television. But I remember in 2008 Somjit Jongjohor won the gold medal in boxing and that was a proud moment for us. We’ve won a few gold medals in boxing so that has been a good sport for us. Maybe golf will be a popular sport for us in the Olympics as well.
Who is your favourite Olympian?
I do not have a favourite Olympian but my favourite team is the Brazilian football team. They will be an exciting team to watch when they play in front of their home fans in August.
