Back Stories » Vietnam » Vietnam Gears up for 2016 Olympics After Strong Showing at SEA Games

Though Nguyen Thi Anh Vien got most of the attention at the SEA Games for her record breaking performances, many other Vietnamese athletes put on a strong showing, giving spectators a glimpse of what to expect at the 2016 Olympics.

With 73 gold metals, Vietnam ranked third out of 11 counties competing at the biennial games and surpassed its target of 60 golds, reports Thanh Nien.

“The success was a result of proper investments in athletes who will also compete at the 2016 Olympics and the 2018 Asian Games,” said Tran Duc Phan, who led the Vietnamese delegation to the 28th Southeast Asian Games that took place in Singapore from June 5 – 16.

Vietnam sent 392 athletes to compete in 28 out of 36 sports, finishing with 73 gold, 53 silver and 60 bronze medals.

Thailand led the gold metal count with 95, followed by Singapore at 84.

Phan said that he was particularly impressed with the country’s showing in the athletics category in which Nguyen Van Lai broke a 22-year-old SEA Games record in the men’s 5,000m running competition.

But it was 19-year-old swimmer, Nguyen Thi Anh Vien AKA “The Iron Girl,” who stole the spotlight after breaking eight records at the event.

Expect to see many of these athletes attempt to repeat their success at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

[Photo via Today Online]

Related Articles

in Vietnam

$14 Million Approved For Restoration Of Hanoi’s 112-Year-Old Long Biên Bridge

The fate of one of Vietnam’s most beloved and storied structures took another positive turn last week when the government approved a $14 million restoration package for Long Biên Bridge.

in Vietnam

'Amazing Race Vietnam' Apologizes for Challenge Harming Coral Reef

An underwater challenge during this year’s installment of The Amazing Race Vietnam is not sitting well with environmentalists.

in Vietnam

'Engaging With Vietnam' Conference Ruminates on Heritage in Huế

“Living with Heritage, (Re)Creating Heritage: Vietnam and the World” is the title of the 14th Engaging with Vietnam conference, a series of activities including academic panel discussions, keynote tal...

in Vietnam

10 Beautiful Photos of Sapa's Majestic Snow

Last weekend's snowstorm in Sapa drew photographers from all over northern Vietnam who jumped at the opportunity to capture some great photos of the town's snow-covered hills, roads and residents.&nbs...

in Vietnam

10 Killed, Over 30 Missing in Central and Northern Vietnam as Storm Son-Tinh Brings Flash Floods

Heavy rains from storm Son-Tinh, which eventually weakened to a tropical depression, have caused flash floods and fatalities in central Vietnam.

in Vietnam

104-Year-Old Great-Great Grandmother Fights Off Robber

Taking advantage of the elderly will inevitably result in some bad karma, a lesson a Dong Nai man quickly learned after attempting to rob Vo Thi Bai, a 104-year-old woman.

Partner Content