Trinh Thu Vinh has emerged as Vietnam's most decorated athlete at SEA Games 33, securing four gold medals and one silver. Her dominant performance, which included victories in the 10m and 25m individual pistol events and women's team events, solidifies her as the most successful Vietnamese shooter in a single SEA Games, surpassing Ngo Huu Vuong's 2009 record of four gold medals. She also earned a silver medal in the 10m mixed team air pistol alongside Pham Quang Huy. Following Vinh, Nguyen Thi Oanh (athletics) stands as Vietnam's second-highest gold medalist at the Games, with three golds.

Vinh's achievements at SEA Games 33 extend beyond her medal count; she also established three Games records. These new benchmarks were set in the 10m individual air pistol, women's team, and 25m individual women's pistol events, underscoring a remarkable display of skill and consistency.

Trinh Thu Vinh during the 10m mixed team air pistol final at SEA Games 33 in Ratchaburi, Thailand on 15/12. Photo: Hieu Luong

This exceptional showing represents a significant advancement for Vinh, especially when compared to her performance at SEA Games 31 in 2022, where she secured only one silver and one bronze. After claiming her fourth gold this year, the 25-year-old athlete underwent doping control, a standard procedure at international sporting events.

Born on 21/9/2000 in Thanh Hoa, Trinh Thu Vinh began her athletic career in track and field at 14 years old. After three years without notable achievements, she was advised to switch to shooting. Vinh was Vietnam's highest-achieving athlete at the Paris 2024 Olympics in France, finishing fourth in the 10m air pistol final and seventh in the 25m pistol final. Her success at SEA Games 33 solidifies her position as a leading figure in Vietnamese sports.

Thu Vinh at the 25m women's sport pistol medal ceremony. Photo: Hieu Luong

In the 25m individual pistol final, Vinh found herself trailing teammate Nguyen Thuy Trang 31-33. However, she rallied to equalize the score at 34-34, forcing a shoot-off. Vinh then scored three points to Thuy Trang's two, securing the gold medal.

Despite her victory, Vinh maintained a composed expression, only smiling when shaking hands with her opponent and accepting the award alongside Thuy Trang. The 25-year-old shooter chose not to pose for individual photos with her gold medal, instead standing with Thuy Trang as they jointly held the national flag.

Vinh is now a key medal hope for Vietnam at Asiad 20 in Japan and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, USA.

Hieu Luong - Xuan Binh