Vietnamese swimmers bagged two more gold medals in the December 16 competition day of the ongoing 17 th SEA Games in Myanmar, setting a new record for the country’s swimming when winning five gold medals at the regional biggest sports event.

In the women’s 400m medley event, star swimmer Nguyen Thi Anh Vien finished first at a time of 4:46.16, which shattered the record of 4:50.88 set by Thailand’s Natthanan Junkrajang at the Games in Indonesia two years ago.

This is the second record Vien has set at the competition, following her first in the women’s 200m backstroke.

With the gold medal, she set a new mark in Vietnam’s swimming history by becoming the first-ever Vietnamese to win three gold medals, two silvers and one bronze at one singles competition.

Vien’s teammate Hoang Quy Phuoc successfully defended his gold medal at his favourite event – the 200m freestyle, at a time of 1:50.64.

Furthermore, barefoot marathon runner Nguyen Thi Binh overcame her congenital heart disease to bring home the country’s first gold medal in the track and field competition with her best personal time of 2:45.34.

Meanwhile, in archery, ace Nguyen Tien Cuong lived up to expectations to win the first gold medal for the country in the event by defeating his Thai rival 138-132 in the final.

Archers Dao Trong Kien and Loc Thi Dao also brought home another gold medal in the team competition.

In rowing, Le Thi An and Tran Thi Sam got a gold medal in the women’s lightweight double scull event when the duo completed the race in 8:02.96, 10 seconds ahead the Myanmar pair.

Meanwhile, in the cycling, at the men’s team 100km time trial, Mai Nguyen Hung, Le Van Duan, Trinh Duc Tam and Nguyen Thanh Tam won the first gold medal for Vietnam in this category.

With seven golds gained on the December 16 competition day, Vietnam climbed to the second place. The country obtained 43 gold, 36 silver and 43 bronze medals, following Thailand with 59 medals, 45 silvers and 49 bronzes. The host Myanmar came third with 39 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze medals.-VNA