What did the leaders say that made My Tien burst into tears after receiving the silver medal at the SEA Games 33?

After receiving the silver medal, swimmer Vo Thi My Tien spoke with the leaders of the Vietnam Aquatic Sports Association, then burst into tears and quickly went into the changing room.

Mr. Hung spoke while gesturing, and My Tien pursed her lips, beginning to cry - Photo: NK

On the evening of December 13th, swimmer Vo Thi My Tien won the silver medal at the 33rd SEA Games in the women's 400m individual medley after losing to Kamonchanok Kwanmuang (Thailand).

The defeat was undeniable given the strength of her opponent. Earlier, Kamonchanok Kwanmuang had also beaten My Tien in the 200m butterfly event. The 20-year-old appeared happy on the podium after receiving her medal in the women's 400m individual medley.

Notably, after leaving the medal podium, My Tien had a conversation with Mr. Dinh Viet Hung (Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Aquatic Sports Association), who had just presented her with the medal in this event.

At the beginning of the conversation, My Tien was still smiling. But later, when Mr. Hung spoke while demonstrating swimming movements, My Tien began to purse her lips sadly and shed tears.

My Tien walked and cried at the same time - Photo: NK

Afterward, My Tien quickly left, covering her face and crying in front of many people, then went straight into the dressing room instead of approaching the waiting Vietnamese media to take pictures of her holding the silver medal.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online , a member of the Vietnamese swimming team's coaching staff said that Mr. Hung had gone to encourage swimmer My Tien after she won the silver medal. However, he unintentionally made hurtful remarks that upset My Tien after she had given her best effort in the race.

The coach said: "Mr. Hung asked why My Tien was swimming like that, why her technique wasn't up to standard. Just because she won the silver medal, she had to accept such comments, which made her burst into tears."

Mr. Hung may not have meant it, but his words, spoken at an inappropriate time, hurt My Tien and brought her to tears in front of media cameras across Southeast Asia.

My Tien strives to compete in the swimming lane - Photo: NK

My Tien (left) on the podium receiving the silver medal with 2 Thai athletes - Photo: NK

My Tien happily embraces the victorious Thai athlete - Photo: NK

Mr. Hung and My Tien initially chatted happily - Photo: NK

After the conversation, My Tien walked away crying - Photo: NK

My Tien had a tearful SEA Games 33 - Photo: NK

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NGUYEN KHOI - THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/lanh-dao-noi-gi-khien-my-tien-bat-khoc-after-receiving-sea-games-33-gold-medal-20251213210233804.htm