Many prominent figures in Vietnamese sports have spoken out in defense of My Tien - Photo: NGUYEN KHOI
As a renowned judo master with many years of experience in sports management and psychological research, Mr. Ly Dai Nghia offered his assessment of the incident where swimmer My Tien burst into tears after being criticized at the SEA Games 33.
Mr. Ly Dai Nghia shared with Tuoi Tre Online :
Mr. Dinh Viet Hung is the Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Aquatic Sports Association. He unexpectedly criticized My Tien after she won the silver medal in the 400m individual medley on the evening of December 13th in Thailand.
A sports leader's public reprimand in front of many people caused swimmer My Tien to burst into tears. Why did this happen? From a psychological perspective, it can be explained as follows:
1. High pressure easily leads to anxiety. During competition, everyone experiences "competition anxiety"—including negative thoughts and feelings of a racing heart and trembling hands. The level of anxiety increases if they feel they are losing control or being criticized. After a loss, athletes' moods remain heavy, making them very vulnerable.
2. Praise and criticism strongly influence motivation. Many studies show that positive and appropriate feedback helps athletes feel better and want to strive harder. Conversely, public criticism or negative comments cause them to lose confidence and reduce motivation. Therefore, the harsh comments immediately after she received her medal unintentionally made My Tien feel hurt.
3. Leadership style is also important. A democratic style—respecting the opinions and feelings of athletes—helps them develop and become more engaged. Conversely, an authoritarian, commanding style makes athletes feel pressured and less autonomous. Authoritarian public reprimands make athletes feel judged.
4. Negative memories can create psychological barriers that last into later life. Experiences like accidents or public criticism can create fear-inducing memories that cause athletes to "freeze" when faced with similar situations. Without support, athletes may carry this pressure into subsequent competitions.
Mr. Ly Dai Nghia - Photo: Provided by the interviewee
What can be done to make things better?
- Choose the right time to offer feedback. After a competition, especially during the medal ceremony, athletes are in a highly emotional state. Allow them to calm down before analyzing their mistakes. When giving feedback, speak privately, focus on how to correct the error, and include words of encouragement.
- Create a respectful and supportive environment. Pay attention to emotions, acknowledge efforts, and encourage athletes to participate in decision-making. Positive feedback helps them believe in themselves and reduces fatigue.
- Help athletes manage anxiety and increase endurance. Use goal-setting techniques, positive visualization, and relaxation to reduce anxiety; while building perseverance and optimism to help them overcome pressure.
In short, the swimmer's reaction (My Tien bursting into tears - PV) was the result of competition pressure combined with the team leader's insensitive handling of the situation.
Instead of criticizing athletes in front of everyone, gentle encouragement and constructive feedback, along with a respectful and supportive training environment, will help athletes develop sustainably and avoid long-term psychological trauma.
My Tien burst into tears after receiving criticism immediately after her efforts to win a medal for her country - Photo: NGUYEN KHOI
Summary of the events involving swimmer My Tien
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.
Afterward, My Tien quickly left, covering her face and crying, then went straight to the changing room in front of the audience and Southeast Asian media. A member of the Vietnamese swimming team's coaching staff said that Mr. Hung had come 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.
Images of My Tien breaking down in tears have spread rapidly across the media and social networks over the past two days. Most fans sympathize with My Tien and express outrage at the inappropriate and ill-timed feedback from the leaders of the Vietnam Aquatic Sports Association.
On December 14th, the leaders of the Vietnamese sports delegation reminded and criticized Mr. Dinh Viet Hung regarding the incident. The Vietnamese sports delegation requested that team leaders and representatives of national sports federations and associations encourage the athletes during their training and competition at the 33rd SEA Games.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vu-kinh-ngu-my-tien-khoc-khong-nen-phe-binh-vdv-o-noi-dong-nguoi-20251214173321781.htm
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