A year ago, on an unforgettable summer day in Paris, SISB alumna Praewa Misato Philaphandeth stepped onto the Olympic stage and made history. With every leap and ribbon swirl, she carried not only grace and artistry, but also the pride of a nation. Years of dedication and discipline, nurtured since her time at SISB, led to this defining moment, as Praewa became the first Laotian rhythmic gymnast to compete at the Olympic Games.
Now, almost exactly a year since her magical Olympic debut in 2024, Praewa is preparing for her next big challenge: the 2025 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships which will be held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
The Competition That Changed Everything
Most would expect Praewa to point to the Olympics as the most defining moment of her gymnastics career. Yet, for her, the turning point came earlier at the World Championships in 2023. It was there she first stood among the sport’s most accomplished athletes, competing not just as a gymnast, but as a pioneer for her country.
She remembers the thrill of meeting the world’s best and the weight of responsibility that came with representing Laos on such a stage. But above all, it was the competition that secured her the coveted Olympic tripartite spot. “That moment changed everything,” she reflects quietly. So, in many ways, the World Championships weren’t just about results, they were about proving that she belonged on a global stage.
A Dream Realised in Paris
By the time she reached Paris in 2024, she was no longer just chasing a dream–she was living it. Yet, nothing could prepare Praewa in the moment she finally stood on the Olympic floor as she recalled her heart racing, her mind caught between nerves and excitement, and for a split second, it all felt unreal. With the resilience of a gymnast, she told herself to breathe, to focus, and to savour the once-in-a-lifetime joy of performing for the world.
In that moment, she understood this was what every hour of training had led to: a chance to shine, and to remind children from nations like hers that big dreams are worth chasing, and worth holding onto.
The SISB Foundation
When asked to reflect about her days in school, Praewa humbly recalls that she never walked this journey alone. At SISB, she was surrounded by teachers and classmates who believed in her, even on the hardest days. When the weight of training and schoolwork felt overwhelming, they stood beside her, reminding her that she could chase her dreams without letting go of her education.
And it was this foundation that eventually became a stepping stone to something even greater. Years of dedication and perseverance led her to Kokushikan University in Japan, a place renowned for nurturing world-class gymnasts like herself.
Training in Japan: A New Chapter
Now part of the Kokushikan RG College team in Japan, Praewa continues to push herself further in rhythmic gymnastics. While the routine and training may feel familiar to her days in Thailand, she is struck by the professionalism of her new setting with the same carpets used in world competitions and physical training facilities built to strengthen athletes holistically.
At Kokushikan, she has found the space not only to refine her skills, but also to continue to grow in confidence, discipline and artistry which are qualities that will most definitely carry her onto the world stage once again.
Looking Toward Rio
With Rio fast approaching, Praewa’s mindset is clear: growth over pressure, joy over fear. “Every competition, I aim to keep growing and improving, not pressure myself to be number one but to be the best version of me,” she says with quiet determination.
Despite the pressure mounting, she always reminds herself to stay positive and embrace the journey. For Praewa, it has never been just about medals, it’s also about the joy of performing and the memories that she will carry with her.“I just want to enjoy the competition, my performance, and the friends I make along the way,” she says with a smile.
A Shining Star
Praewa’s journey stands as a powerful reminder of what resilience, belief, and support can achieve. From the classrooms of SISB, where teachers and friends stood by her side, to the world’s grandest stages, she has carried with her the lessons of perseverance and the courage to dream big.
Her story is not only one of personal triumph but also a reflection of the community that nurtured her–proof that greatness can be born from humble beginnings. For SISB, Praewa will always be more than an alumna; she is a shining example of how education, encouragement, and determination can break barriers and inspire generations to come.