Thai taekwondo champion swaps the mat for the sheet

Chanatip Sonkham, a retired female taekwondo practitioner who won bronze at the 2012 London Olympics in the under 49 kg weight class, recently made a surprising comeback to the international stage — on the ice sheets at the ongoing 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin.

In quite the switch from the martial arts mat, Sonkham competed in the curling mixed doubles competition, a sport that contrasts starkly with taekwondo in its nature, rules, but perhaps most notably, in temperature.

The 33-year-old secured bronze medals at the 2010 Asian Games and the Asian Taekwondo Championships in 2010 and 2012. She also once clinched victory in the women's 49 kg final at the 2013 World Championships.

In the frigid climate of Harbin, however, the former summer games participant only managed an 8th place finish in the mixed doubles curling, alongside her partner Teekawin Jearateerawit.

To prepare for the continental sports gala, they had been to the Republic of Korea to participate in a week-long training camp.

The duo teamed up for the competition after practicing together for just four months, a period which also marks Sonkham's entire curling career.

Last year, officials from the National Olympic Committee of Thailand extended an invitation to Sonkham to participate in curling.

Initially intended for leisure, the games she participated in quickly revealed Sonkham's innate talent for the winter sport.

"Perhaps, due to my background as a taekwondo athlete, my body balance is quite good, which aids in delivery of the stones," she recalled.

Encouraged by her natural aptitude, Sonkham was urged to pursue a competitive career in the ice sport.

Four months ago, she began training with the Curling Association of Thailand.

"I then developed a strong interest in the sport," she stated.

She found it particularly attractive because of its emphasis on friendship and inclusivity among different age groups.

"In curling competitions, I collaborate closely with teammates. We can talk to each other and support each other during matches. In contrast, when I competed in taekwondo, I had to rely on just myself," she said.

"And no matter if we are young or old, you can just come and enjoy the game."

She added that taekwondo is a fighting sport, so there is a lot of impact, and injuries are common. She personally suffers from knee issues.

"In curling, there is no body contact. What we need to learn is how to control the stone. I don't need to worry about getting injured in this sport," said Sonkham.

However, there are still some similarities between the two sports.