Muay Thai to feature as a demonstration sport at the Olympics, for first time

An Australian fighter was left in utter shock when he received a call during brekky with news that would ultimately change his life.

A Sydney-based fighter was left in disbelief when he received a call to represent Australia at the first ever Muaythai exhibition in Paris.

While the growing sport will not be included in the official 2024 Olympic’s program, it will make its debut as a demonstration sport, touting it as the first step towards its inclusion in the Olympic Games.

International Federation of Muaythai Associations president Sakchai Tapsuwan made the milestone announcement at a press conference in Bangkok last month.

For the first time in history, Muay Thai will be featured as a demonstration sport at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Forming part of the Australian team is (L to R) Zoe Putrock, Ibrahim Abou-Saleh and Shannon Gardiner.

As such, fighters from 24 countries will have the opportunity to showcase the sport at the specially constructed Muay Thai stadium at Club France, igniting the world’s fascination with its power and grace.

Muay Thai, also referred to as Thai boxing, is a martial art known as the “art of eight limbs” using stand-up striking, sweeps, and various clinching techniques.

Ibrahim, who has been training Muay Thai for 15 years, said he was left speechless after receiving a call that he made the Australian team. Picture: Instagram/ibrahimabousaleh

Ibrahim Abou-Saleh, from PTJ Muay Thai in Gladesville, has been training in the discipline for 15 years, having fallen in love with its technical and cultural aspects.

The 25-year-old, who is the current WBC Australian Champion and top ranked Australian SuperFeatherweight, said he couldn’t quite believe he’d made the Australian team.

“I didn’t believe it when I got the call,” Ibrahim told news.com.au.

The 25-year-old from Sydney is the current WBC Australian Champion and top ranked Australian SuperFeatherweight. Picture: Iron Monkey Photography

“I was informed a couple of weeks before that I was short-listed with some other big names in the country to represent Australia.

“But I thought my chances were slim as a week went by and there weren’t any updates.

“Then to my surprise, I got a call from my coach (Andrew Parnham) while I was having breakfast asking if I was interested in eating escargot (snails) for breakfast in a few weeks. I felt so happy and could not wait to tell everyone.”

Ibrahim, who is an exercise physiologist, said it’s every athletes dream to represent their country at the highest level.

“[And] it doesn’t get any bigger than this, especially as it is the first time that Muay Thai will be a part of the event,” he said.

“I am most looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere in Paris, meeting other fighters and athletes from around the world and also enjoying a chocolate croissant.”

Zoe Putrock (wearing red shorts), from Canberra, is a six-time gold medallist and two-time WBC World Champion. Picture: Instagram/zoe.my.way.putorak

The pro fighter will jump in the ring on August 5 against Algerian fighter Basta Abdelmouneme who is the current IFMA world champion.

The duo will go head-to-head in three, three minute rounds for the under 60kg division.

Meanwhile, elite female fighter Zoe Putrock, who is a six-time gold medallist and two-time WBC World Champion and Shannon Gardiner, the current WMC and WBC World Champion, are also part of the Australian team.

Zoe, who trains out of Sabai Muay Thai in Canberra, said it is an “absolute privilege” to selected for the historic event.

“We are quite literally making history,” she told news.com.au. “I am so proud to be joining the rest of the Australian team with my coach, Lee Fook, to showcase Muay Thai and hopefully educate a few people who have never seen it before.”

Shannon Gardiner is the current WMC and WBC World Champion. She trains out of Kao Sok Muay Thai & Boxing in Perth.

Zoe’s fight record in an impressive 44 fights, with 41 wins, three losses, 11 stoppages, with her last loss back in 2018.

Meanwhile, Shannon, from Kao Sok Muay Thai & Boxing in Perth, has had 41 fights with 31 wins and eight of those were knockouts.

“It’s an absolute honour to be selected to represent Australia. Muay Thai being recognised as a showcase sport at this years Olympics is a historical moment being part of is a dream come true,” Shannon added.

PTJ Muay Thai owner Andrew Parnham will be heading over to Paris with the Aussie team alongside fellow coach Lee Fook from Sabai Muay Thai.

Andrew Parnham, owner of PTJ Muay Thai in Sydney, is the coach of the Australian team.

As is Lee Fook, owner of Sabai Muay Thai in Canberra.

Mr Parnham said the sport has gained huge popularity in Australia in recent years and it’s great to see it mix with other sports on the world stage.

“This is extremely important to us. Any type of recognition on the world stage for Muaythai and Muaythai in Australia is welcomed and being among it all in Paris will be amazing,” he said.

“It’s a long process, but combat sports such as Muaythai and MMA are all gaining huge momentum popularity wise and I think events like this only help push it to the masses even more.”

Mr Parnham said he’s proud of the three fighters for being accepted on the Aussie team, particularly noting the rise of females in Muay Thai.

“[Zoe and Shannon] are not only extremely successful athletes in competition but also wonderful ambassadors for women’s sport and Muay Thai," Mr Parnham said.

“This is also a historic moment for us as it’s the first time an Australian team has been fully funded by Muaythai NSW. The Australian athletes are usually self-funded whereas a lot of other countries have government backing to provide funding for travel and medal bonuses.”

The event will run from August 2 to August 10 where Muay Thai workshops will also be offered in the Olympic Park.