This year’s edition is more than twice as big as the 2024 Paris Olympics in terms of competitor numbers.
Sawang, a father of five, began exercising at the age of 90, inspired by Siripan and a desire to avoid becoming bedridden like his friends.
Three to four times a week, Sawang joins his daughter to trot on a beach near their home in Rayong in eastern Thailand.
“I sometimes like to walk, sometimes run,” said Sawang, peering at AFP through aviator sunglasses as he explained his training regimen.
“Sometimes I do javelin throw, depending on what I have to do for competitions.”
Other times, Sawang said he just goes to the local market.
It’s proved to be a winning strategy, with the wiry centenarian winning more than 60 medals on the masters circuit.
Sawang added four more golds to his collection this week.
– ‘Exercise makes life better’ –
A smattering of spectators was in the stadium as Sawang competed in the shot put, his last event of the Games.
Before the first throw, Sawang lined up with other sprightly shot putters in the 80+, 85+ and 90+ age groups to be introduced.