BERNARD SHAW, CNN ANCHOR: Thailand will be sending a favorite son off to the Sydney Olympics, hoping his power with the punch will strike gold. CNN's Bangkok bureau chief John Raedler reports.</s>JOHN RAEDLER, CNN BANGKOK BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): Somluck Kamsing (ph) joins his hands in prayer. They are hands that carry the hopes of a nation. This nation, Thailand. Somluck is a member of the Thai boxing team, visiting Bangkok's Temple of the Emerald Buddha before departing for the Sydney Olympics. He is Thailand's first and only Olympic gold medal winner, featherweight champ in Atlanta four years ago. "I still have the strength," the 27-year-old says, "to boost the nation's reputation. I'm confident I can do it one more time." (on camera): Not only has boxing produced Thailand's first Olympic gold medal, it has produced all of Thailand's Olympic medals: one gold, one silver, four bronze. And the reason may be Muay (ph) Thai. Muay Thai, meaning "Thai boxing," is an ancient martial art ingrained in Thai history and culture. It is a rite of passage for virtually all Thai boys. It is the national sport, the national pastime, and more, its ritual is almost as spiritual as they are athletic. And although Muay Thai is different from Olympic boxing, Somluck says it is invaluable training. "It helped to strengthen my bones," he says, "and gave me durability. It gives Thai boxers an advantage." Being immersed in Muay Thai since childhood also gives Thais an edge in experience. Before switching to Olympic boxing, Somluck had fought 250 bouts of Muay Thai. As Somluck heads for Sydney, he seeks one more advantage, placing gold leaf on elephant tusks, the pugilist seeking the strength of the pachyderm. John Raedler, CNN, Bangkok.
Thailand Hopes Boxer Will Bring Home Olympic Gold