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The men's 3,000m steeplechase event featured six athletes, including Vietnam's Nguyen Trung Cuong and Le Tien Long, both from Ha Tinh.
Cuong was the reigning SEA Games champion in this event, having finished first at the 2023 Games in Cambodia with a time of 8 minutes 51.99 seconds.
Despite fierce competition from rivals from Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, Cuong confidently maintained his lead throughout the race.
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The 3,000m steeplechase is a demanding track and field event. Athletes must complete 7.5 laps of a 400-meter track, navigating fixed barriers and a water jump. Each lap features four barriers and one water jump, totaling 28 barriers and seven water jumps over the entire distance. This event requires endurance, speed, barrier technique, and flexible pacing. Athletes must sustain long-distance stamina while precisely clearing obstacles to avoid losing momentum and preventing injury.
Cuong demonstrated superior skill, clearing the obstacles with ease.
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He crossed the finish line first with a time of 8 minutes 55.32 seconds, successfully defending his SEA Games gold medal. Indonesia's Sukarya Pandu secured the silver medal with a time of 8 minutes 57.13 seconds, while Filipino runner Gobotia Junel took home the bronze with 8 minutes 58.34 seconds. Le Tien Long finished fourth, clocking 8 minutes 59.50 seconds.
Immediately after crossing the finish line, Cuong pulled up his sleeve, revealing two photos of his parents, wife, and children. He then shouted, "Mom and Dad, I did it!"
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Cuong's family in Ha Tinh lacked the means to travel to Thailand to support him. While he felt a pang of sadness, he accepted the reality and chose to carry photos of his parents, wife, and children in his sleeve, drawing motivation from them during the race.
"My parents are farmers; they work tirelessly. My mother also suffers from a chronic illness, so our family isn't well-off. Everyone in my family truly wanted me to win to inspire them, and I am happy I kept that promise," he told VnExpress, his voice filled with emotion after the race.
Born in Ha Tinh in 2000, Cuong's journey in athletics began at the provincial Phu Dong Sports Festival. He was called up to the national team at just 16 years old. Under the guidance of coach Tran Van Sy, he gradually made a name for himself in the 3,000m steeplechase, an event where he has won two consecutive SEA Games gold medals and broken the National Sports Festival record. Beyond professional athletics, Cuong also competes in many amateur 10 km and 21 km races. He consistently improves his personal bests while maintaining stable performance across a dense schedule, which is not easy for an athlete competing in both professional and amateur events.
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Cuong shared that he only began earning income to help his family after becoming a professional athlete. Now married, he also manages his own household responsibilities.
"I always dedicate my love to both my immediate and extended families. This Tet holiday, I will celebrate with my wife's family; we alternate each year," the SEA Games champion added.
Cuong is scheduled to compete in the 10,000m event on the afternoon of 16/12/2023.
Duc Dong
