Viradech Kothny, born an orphan in Kanchanaburi, was lucky enough to be adopted by a generous German journalist, who gave him a new life.

Though raised in Germany since he was three, Viradech always remembered his Thai roots. Viradech, or ”Willi” - the nickname he got from his step-grandmother, who could not pronounce his Thai name - became a well-known fencer in Germany at 18.

After a few unsuccessful attempts in junior tournaments, Willi stunned the home crowd by capturing the German Junior Championship in 1997. A series of success followed to fill up his resume.

In the 2001 Men's Sabre World Cup, held in Budapest, Willi announced his arrival on the world stage by thrashing world-class fencers. Four-time world champion Grigory Kirienko of Russia, his fellow countryman Stanislav Pozdniakov - a triple Olympic gold medallist - and Poland's Rafal Sznajder all surrendered to Willi's guile. Cutting through the red tape, Willi was quickly given a Thai passport and enrolled for the Asiad in Busan. Willi is now one of the main medal contenders for the Kingdom at the Asian Games after a string of consistent performances in recent international events.

”I don't know what's going to happen. I have no idea about the Asian fencers but I believe that the wealth of my experience in Europe will help me through,” Willi said. ”I know that my coming over has given my countrymen high hopes and they expect a good showing at the continental games. It has also added pressure on me to do well. It is a burden I must carry at Busan,” Willi added.

The 22-year-old will compete in both individual and team categories in the sabre event. ”I've gained a lot of help and support, which I really appreciate. I'll do whatever I can to make the result as good as possible,” Willi said. If Willi can bring home the gold medal, it will not only be a first gold on his Thai national debut, but also break Thailand's 37-year drought in fencing medals at the Asiad.

Piyarat Setthasiriphaiboon, THE NATION