Sophanich born into running family<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Talent runs in the family. This is certainly
\ntrue for Thailand's Vissanu Sophanich. Born into a \"running\"
\nfamily, he has everything he needs to achieve all his goals,
\nincluding winning a gold medal in the men's 4x100 meter relay at
\nthe 13th Asian Track and Field Championships.<\/p>\n
\"My father is still running, while my mother was a soccer
\nplayer. My sister and younger brother used to run but they have
\nstopped,\" said the Air Force sergeant.<\/p>\n
Since beginning to run competitively 11 years ago, Sophanich's
\ncareer has taken off, including his gold medal in the 1997
\nSoutheast Asian Games here, which he celebrated by shaving his
\nhead.<\/p>\n
It may come as something of a shock to learn that in 1996 he
\nwas a rugby player, before deciding to switch to track and field.
\nHis rocket form since this move has truly been remarkable.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old runner was confident of winning a gold here in
\nthe 4x100m relay, saying his team had a good chance in the
\nabsence of Japan's Koji Ito, the country's anchor who holds the
\nAsian record of 10 seconds in the 100m.<\/p>\n
And responding to this confidence, Thailand won the gold in a
\nrecord time of 38.80 seconds thanks to the efforts of Kongdech
\nNetenee, Ekkachai Janthana, Sitichai Suwonprate and Sophanich.
\nThe old record of 39.03 was set by China in July 1998.<\/p>\n
\"I'm quite satisfied with the results here. We have been
\npreparing for a year for the championships,\" Sophanich said.<\/p>\n
With its record time, the relay team qualified for the
\nOlympics. In the biggest athletics event in the world, Sophanich
\nand Reanchai Seeharwong, who had to withdraw from the
\nchampionships due to a hamstring injury, will anchor the team.<\/p>\n
\"Our target in the Olympics is to sharpen our best time. We
\ndon't know how far can we go there, but we just want to better
\nour time. Competing in the Olympics will be a good experience for
\nus.\"<\/p>\n
In addition to concentrating on athletics, Sophanich's parents
\nalso demanded their son complete his studies at Prasanmitr
\nUniversity, where he majored in physical education.<\/p>\n
Recognized as Thailand's number two sprinter after Seeharwong,
\nSophanich's discipline has helped him continually to improve his
\ntimes.<\/p>\n
Sophanich continues to push himself to improve in the 100m,
\nhis favorite event. Although he failed to win a medal in the 100m
\nhere, finishing fourth, he will continue to race toward his
\ngoals. (yan)<\/p>",
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