The 'perfect combination' propelled Vietnamese athletics to new heights with a double gold medal win at the SEA Games 33.

The atmosphere at the Suphachalasai Gymnasium on the evening of December 11th was electrifying as two Vietnamese athletes, Bui Thi Ngan and Nguyen Khanh Linh, created a dramatic "two-horse race" in the women's 1,500m final. From the very first laps, the Vietnamese athletics duo proactively increased their speed, broke away from the pack early, and left all their opponents far behind, creating a dominant position.

In the final lap, Ngan unleashed a decisive sprint, racing to the finish line with a time of 4 minutes 27 seconds 34, securing the prestigious gold medal. Right behind her, Khanh Linh steadfastly maintained her pace, finishing second with 4 minutes 29 seconds 36, completing a brilliant double medal win for Vietnamese athletics. The moment the two girls embraced at the finish line moved the audience – a beautiful image of teamwork, a burning desire for victory, and national pride.

Sharing her feelings after the race, Ngan said emotionally, “I was truly overwhelmed with happiness when I brought home the gold medal for the Vietnamese team. The journey to this medal was full of challenges. After a serious injury, I had to undergo long-term treatment and only at the last minute could I step onto the track in the best condition and with the most determination. And today, giving my all for the national flag, I have achieved my dream.”

This is Ngan's second time participating in the SEA Games, after her first time in 2023 where she lost to her senior teammate Nguyen Thi Oanh - who had dominated this event for many years. When asked about the pressure, she admitted: "The pressure is immense. But that's what makes me strong, makes me fight my hardest."

Bui Thi Ngan and Nguyen Khanh Linh are far ahead of their competitors.

Unlike Ngan, Nguyen Khanh Linh was participating in the SEA Games for the first time, but the results exceeded expectations. She shared: "This is my first time at the SEA Games, everything is new, and I'm still inexperienced. On the track, I just tried my best. I ran as far as I could. Finishing second and contributing a medal today makes me feel proud and gives me more motivation to try harder in future competitions."

In terms of tactics, the two athletes shared the lead in each lap, and in the final lap, the decisive moment, Nguyen Khanh Linh shared that at that point, whoever had more energy would surge ahead.

With their impressive "joint effort," Ngan and Khanh Linh not only brought home a double medal win but also ignited inspiration for Vietnamese athletics on their opening day.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/man-song-kiem-hop-bich-dua-dien-kinh-viet-nam-thang-hoa-with-cu-dup-hcv-sea-games-33-post1803858.tpo