Khwansuda Phuangkitcha

Started: She took up the sport while in high school. (paralympic.org, 18 Nov 2022) Reason: She was encouraged to take up the sport by Thai national Para taekwondo coach Shin Yeong-Kyun. "I didn't know Para taekwondo - I had never done any sports other than running before. I hadn't even decided whether to try when he [Shin] showed up at my house the next day." (paralympic.org, 18 Nov 2022) Ambition: To win gold at the Paralympic Games. (gqthailand.com, 14 Jan 2022) Milestones: She became the first Thai taekwondoka to win a Paralympic medal when she claimed bronze in the women's -49kg category at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. (SportsDeskOnline, 01 Jul 2024) She became Thailand's first world champion in Para taekwondo, following her victory in the K44 -49kg event at the 2019 World Championships in Antalya, Turkiye. (SportsDeskOnline, 02 Sep 2020; en.mastkd.com, 10 Feb 2019) Awards: She was named the 2021 Female Para Athlete of the Year by the Sports Correspondents Association of Thailand. (insidethegames.biz, 28 Sep 2022) Additional Info: EARLY DAYS She was born into poverty and she experienced tragedy in her family when her sister was killed. Her mother was also left with a permanent impairment as a result of a car accident. "My father said [to Thai national Para taekwondo coach Shin Yeong-Kyun], 'My family is poor, and I can't raise a daughter. Coach, can you help my daughter grow up well, to take care of her just like you would your own?' Taekwondo changed my life and there are now many things I can do in the future. Taekwondo is my new life." (paralympic.org, 18 Nov 2022; gqthailand.com, 14 Jan 2022)