SEA Games 2019 News 041: Swimming Threat Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên Training in US

Vietnam became a very strong country in swimming compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors. In fact, they won 10 gold medals at the 2017 SEA Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Of the ten gold medals, eight golds were contributed by Olympian Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên who is now intensively training in the United States.

Vien who already won a total of 19 gold medals in four editions of Southeast Asian Games is heavily invested and sponsored amounting to 170,000-180,000 USD by the state.

Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has invested 30 billion VND (1.3 million USD) to help prepare the 27 head coaches and 66 athletes which Vien is also a recipient.

As reported, she is receiving sponsorship money more than Vietnam's track and field athletes combined. 

With all those financial supports she is receiving, she is expected to lead Vietnam's swimming team at the 30th Southeast Asian Games to be held in the Philippines. Vien is expected to win no less than eight gold medals at the biennial meet.

Aside from the 2019 SEA Games, she is also preparing to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and for the World Swimming Championships to be held in Korea this July.