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    In the Tokyo Olympics of 2021, former International School Bangkok (ISB) student Kieran Tuntivate ran in the Men’s 10,000 Meter Run representing Thailand and competing against the best distance runners in the world. Recently, he returned to ISB to train and to share some of his expertise with our Panther athletes.

    Kieran Thailand

    Kieran lived in Thailand during his early childhood and received an international education at ISB for Kindergarten, first and second grade from 2003-2005. He went on from ISB to have a very successful athletic career first running in High School in the US, then at Harvard University competing at a very high level. As a dual citizen of Thailand and the U.S.A (Kieran’s father, Voravate Tuntivate, is Thai), Kieran has been able to represent Thailand in numerous international events, including the Asian Games and the aforementioned Tokyo Olympics.

    After graduating from Harvard in 2020, Kieran has continued his passion for running by signing a professional contract with the prestigious Nike-sponsored Bowerman Track Club based in Portland, Oregon. He has also maintained his connection to Thailand, and most recently ran in the Bangsaen 10, a 10-kilometer road race that took place on September 18th in Chon Buri province, Thailand. The event, returning after a two-year hiatus due to COVID, is regarded as an Elite Label Race by World Athletics, and over 8,000 runners participated. Mr. Tuntivate, running in the first road race of his career, finished second overall with a final time of 29:47.

    Being in Thailand has given Kieran the opportunity to take a few weeks out of his busy schedule to visit with family in the Land of Smiles and also visit his alma mater, International School Bangkok. Kieran has been able to use the school’s amazing athletic facilities to continue his demanding workout regimen. He also kindly took some time to meet and talk with the ISB Cross Country team, currently in training preparing for the upcoming first season of IASAS competitions in early October.

    In his discussion with the ISB Cross Country runners, Kieran talked about his time at ISB, his philosophy about running and training, and about how much he has always enjoyed being part of a team. He fielded questions from his new Panther friends, received ‘oohs and ahs’ when talking about his personal best times in the 5K and 10K runs, and even answered some technical questions about running technique, mental preparation, and diet.

    Kieran Meets the XC Team

    Here’s what some of our current ISB student-athletes and coaches had to say about meeting a world-class Olympic runner:  

    I learned the value of hard work and dedication, and how a passion can be so much more than a passion. He also taught me about having an imaginary string between you and the runner ahead of you, and I thought that was cool.” - From Ayaka, a junior Cross Country athlete 

    I learned that being a professional runner and being a runner from school are not all that different. They both take hard work and they both require great teammates.” - Kiet, a senior Cross Country athlete

    Kieran was a super nice guy and was quite an inspiration to our very young team.  We appreciate the time we spent with him.” - David Giles, ISB Cross Country Coach

    ISB is so incredibly proud of our alumnus and Olympian Kieran Tuntivate, and wants to thank him for taking the time to encourage our current generation of ISB runners to do their very best. As we so often say, “Once a Panther, Always a Panther!” The entire ISB Community wishes Kieran all the best in his future competitions, and hopes he visits ISB again sometime soon!

     

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