Trailblazer: Teenage bobsledder invigorates winter sports scene in Thailand

Thai bobsledder Agnese Campeol burst onto the winter sports scene at age 17 when she won silver in the women’s monobob competition at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

In doing so, she became the first Thai athlete to medal at a Winter Olympic event, causing a stir in her home country, where interest in bobsleigh and winter sports is now arguably at its highest level ever.

Not one to rest on her laurels, the affable teen set her sights even higher in 2025, aiming to qualify for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games along with men’s bobsledder and fellow Olympic scholarship-holder Kitthamet Palakai.

“I want to get closer to the world-class standard in every aspect,” said Campeol. “We have a clear process and direction, and I truly believe I can achieve it.”

Campeol was just 16 when she was first introduced to bobsleigh. Along with 20 other young Thai athletes, she was invited by the PyeongChang 2018 & Gangwon 2024 Legacy Foundation (PGLF) to take part in a programme designed to increase global participation in winter sports.

As part of the initiative, Campeol was flown to the Republic of Korea and encouraged to try an assortment of winter disciplines, from skiing and snowboarding to bobsleigh, luge and skeleton.

Despite the intimidating nature of the 1,659-metre track at the Alpensia Sliding Centre in PyeongChang, Campeol not only overcame her nerves to give it a go, she thrived off of the adrenaline rush it gave her.

“That was the moment that made me realise how much I truly love this sport,” she recalled of her inaugural run. “Within the speed, there was also a sense of smoothness and lightness… It was intense but also beautiful in its own way, and that experience is something I will never forget.”

Just like that, Campeol had found her calling. With continued support from the PGLF, the Thai NOC and the Ski and Snowboard Association of Thailand, she began her rise up the ranks of the sport.

Further assisted by Olympic Solidarity’s Youth Athlete Development programme ahead of Gangwon 2024, by age 17 Campeol had become a YOG silver medallist. By age 18 she had finished fourth overall in the 2024–25 North American Cup. Now 19, she hopes to represent Thailand as its first bobsleigh athlete at a Winter Olympic Games and reach the top three in the North American Cup for the 2026-2027 season.

Campeol’s exploits have won her many admirers in Thailand, where she has attained mini-celebrity status. The attention has been a boon for the Ski and Snowboard Association, which has seen a steady rise in interest in winter sports.

“Agnese has significantly helped bring greater attention to winter sports in Thailand, particularly among youth athletes aiming to follow in her footsteps,” said Piyapong Wongpiyakul, bobsleigh and skeleton team manager and committee member at the Ski and Snowboard Association.



The NOC of Thailand, meanwhile, says it is committed to the long-term development of winter sports in the country and is exploring ways for athletes to expand into other disciplines in the future.

“For many Thai athletes, seeing someone like Agnese succeed reinforces belief and motivation,” said NOC Secretary General Thana Chaiprasit. “Without such role models, it would be much more difficult to build confidence and inspire the next generation to pursue winter sports seriously.”

Olympic scholarships are fundamental to the country’s winter sports ambitions. Because Thailand is situated some 4,500 km from the nearest IBSF-recognised bobsleigh track, for example, Campeol and teammate Palakai have relied heavily on the grants to cover travel, training, equipment and medical costs.

Campeol says she is truly grateful for the support she has received and all the “once-in-a-lifetime experiences” it has provided her. Now, after only four short years in the sport, Campeol is keen to return the favour by encouraging the next generation of Thai bobsledders.

“The fire is already burning strong in Thailand and I love this sport. I will take it as far as I possibly can,” she said. “I hope my journey can inspire young people to chase their dreams.”