Failure is not Failing
Sports“The only thing in life achieved without effort is failure”, Pawapotako Phiangkwan’s determination proves that where there’s a will, there is a way.
In the competitive world of swimmers, Pawapotako Phiangkwan was one of the few Thailand representatives that won the gold medal in the Women’s 200m Breaststroke, in the 29th Southeast Asian Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
But her swimming career hit a break.
Pawapotako’s fans were in awed after Thailand Swimming Association made the announcement that she was not on the list of swimmers participating in the 18th Asian game held in Indonesia.
Unfortunately, Pawapotako have faced an ankle inflammation for a long time which deteriorate her ability in training. The ankle injuries was the root cause that prevents her from participating in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia. She was compelled to stop practicing since May. Recently, she has plan to undergo surgery in hoping to make a comeback in time for the next SEA Games. In the long pause period, she never lose her hope and she tried real hard to go back for it. “It’s been a year since the surgery started, so I want to get it done as soon as possible as it will take another 2 months for recovery before being able to get back in the pool again”, Pawapotako started her hopes to reclaim her status as the “Mermaid of Thailand”. “She is strong and tough, she has come through everything like a champ. I truly believe she have the physical capabilities to bounce back” said Simon Jone (coach).
In 1996, Pawapotako was born into a whole hearted family. Since birth, her family was always supportive of her dream to become a professional swimmer. Since she was six years old, she has always been highly participative and was engaged in many swimming competitions. With her talent and hard work, she made the National team when she was only 12 years old and was named the Thailand youngest athlete to participate in the 2009 SEA Game. Her hard work pays off well when she was given the Youth Olympics Scholarship to study and train at the Singapore Sports School during 2010 to 2014. Additionally, her career hit the big time when she moved and graduated at the British International School Phuket in high school level where she first starts training with her current coach. Due to her competence, she was accepted with a sports scholarship at Chulalongkorn University, consistently pursuing her dream career of becoming a worldly known swimmer.
Throughout her swimming life, she has put all her efforts in practicing; disciplined to never skip practicing even when her body was under exhausted condition. She made sure to enter at least two big competitions every year. “This year will be her first that we will not be cheering for her, we feel sorry and is wishing that she will come back soon”, said a fan of Ms. Powapotako Nutida Sukolsa.
Even though she missed her opportunity to attend the competition, she still creates the opportunity for others by coaching young swimmers who has a dream to become a national swimmer.
A statement from Ms. Pawapotako suggested that she will not give up and make a comeback to defend her crown in the 200m Breaststroke. “I will come back stronger than ever and return to my practices for the 30th Sea game”.
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