This March in Qatar, Orawan "Thip" Paranang (pictured) achieved something most athletes only dream of: Olympic qualification. Paranang went undefeated over two days in the Women's Singles South East Asia qualification group, emerging on March 19 with a 3-0 record and a ticket to Tokyo. Ranked 88th in the world, the 24-year-old Paranang defied the odds to even have a shot at the Olympics, let alone to make it. Born to a poor family in Ubon Ratchathani, a farming district better known for producing rice than professional athletes, Paranang first picked up a paddle at age seven. "My family didn't really have much money to support my pursuit of this sport," recalls Paranang. "But they've always been supportive spiritually and mentally and let me do what I love." At first, Paranang received less than supportive messages from self-appointed pundits who told her she was too short to ever compete professionally. Despite such discouragement, not to mention extremely limited access to equipment, practice partners and coaching, Paranang's talent eventually caught the eye of a coach, who sponsored her to train in Bangkok. The fourth of five children, Paranang was soon supporting her family with her tournament winnings. "Everything's changed," she reflects. "The financial status of my family has improved. It's not yet perfect but we're not struggling like we used to anymore." A national doubles title in 2018 further raised her profile. Her ascension to international prominence is rooted in her rigorous practice, drilling for seven hours a day. This Rocky-like regimen does not occur in a spacious, well-equipped gymnasium like most Olympian enjoy, but rather in a converted practice space in her apartment. From a rustic farmland to a cramped apartment living room, Paranang has never allowed her surroundings to delimit her ambitions. Qualifying for the Olympics represents the culmination of not only her hard work, but her family's support and sacrifice, vindication for daring to follow her dream. "When I passed that point (Olympic qualification), I felt like I finally managed to lift a heavy stone off my chest," she says. "It was an indescribable feeling... At this point of my life, I feel like I've succeeded and my parents and my family are happy." Characteristically ambitious, "Thip" is not content just to qualify for Tokyo. "My goal is to get as close to the final rounds as possible," she says. Like Rocky, Orawan Paranang is a fighter built to go the distance. Sometimes, all you need is the bare minimum to achieve the maximum.

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