SRESTHAPORN Savate

General
LATE BLOOMER
Previously a civil aviation pilot, he began shooting at age 41 and competed at his first Olympic Games at age 58. "In my 30s I was still flying planes. I was just starting [the sport] at 41 years old. After about 10 years of shooting, I asked the association to allow me to compete in the World Cup circuit, just to see how they were doing abroad. So then I went on my own expenses, I only needed the association's approval. I met many top level shooters. I would pay attention to what guns they were using, their glasses, exercises, and everything. After 10 years of travelling, everyone knows I'm from Thailand, this old Thai man, carrying a rifle with his wife, and without a team manager. People laughed when I first stated my intention to compete at the Olympic Games." (readthecloud, 12 Aug 2021; sanook, 23 Jul 2021; bangkokpost, 09 Jul 2021)

OCCUPATION
He runs a garment and sock manufacturing company in Bangkok, Thailand, named Elta Co. "I had been picked to work for Thai Airways International but when I went to get my father's approval, he sat me down to discuss whether making this career move would be a lucrative one. When we did the calculations, it was clear that I would end up managing the family business." (tiscowealth, 01 Aug 2022; sanook, 23 Jul 2021; bangkokpost, 09 Jul 2021; aca.or.th, 20 Mar 2020)

PREVIOUS OCCUPATION
He has worked as a certified civil aviation pilot. (bangkokpost, 09 Jul 2021; aca, 20 Mar 2020)