Nguyễn Thị Oanh of Việt Nam wins the women's 1,500m event of the 32nd SEA Games on May 9 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. VNA/VNS Photos
HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Thị Oanh, the Vietnamese athletics sensation, electrified the 32nd SEA Games on May 9 with a dazzling display of sporting prowess.
Despite a last-minute scheduling change that saw her compete in both the 1,500m and 3,000m events in the afternoon, Oanh demonstrated exceptional athletic ability, snatching two gold medals in succession to the thunderous applause of onlookers at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh.
Oanh, who had already won an Asian Indoor Championship title in February, began her remarkable streak with a commanding solo run in the 1,500m event, crossing the finish line in a blistering 4min 15.85sec.
Her rivals were no match for her, and despite their valiant efforts, she left them trailing far behind. Her compatriot, Bùi Thị Ngân, came in second, with Singapore's Chui Ling Goh finishing third.
Nguyễn Thị Oanh of Việt Nam (centre) competes in the women's 3,000m steeplechase event of the 32nd SEA Games on May 9 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Despite just 10 minutes until her next event, Oanh lined up for the 3,000m steeplechase event that she set a Games record in last year in Hà Nội.
This time Oanh maintained second place behind Joida Gadot Gagnao of the Philippines for most of the race.
However, with a lap and a half left, she turned on the afterburners, pulling away from the pack with at the Morodok Techo. The Vietnamese superstar came first at a time of 10:34.37.
Gagnao came second, and Nguyễn Thị Hương of Việt Nam was third.
These were Oanh's second and third golds of this year's SEA Games. The first one was in the 5,000m event on May 8.
Oanh will compete in her fourth event, the 10,000m, on May 12.
"I have many different feelings right now," said Oanh. "But I am happy and grateful myself because I can complete my difficult tasks."
"Two events were organised in a short time. I considered it a challenge to beat. Our coaching board discussed and found out the best plan to solve the problem.
"I am grateful and thankful to my friends, relatives and supporters who sent me a lot of love and encouragement and cheered me up on the stand. I am motivated a lot by them."
Gymnastic success
Việt Nam gymnastics team made an impressive performance on their second day of competition, beating the world champion to secure three gold medals.
Young talent Nguyễn Văn Khánh Phong beat Filipino genius Carlos Yulo in the men's rings event to win his first SEA Games title.
Phong's perfect performance was given 14,200 points, while Yulo, who tried hard, could only make it 14,000 points.
Last Games in Hà Nội, Phong made a big mistake in landing and so lost out on gold to Yulo.
Yulo is the top athlete in all gymnastic events and has won many titles from world championships and the world cup, along with Asian tournaments.
He has established his domination in the region and has swept all titles. At the 31st Games, Yulo took golds in all-round, floor, rings and horizontal bar.
Nguyễn Văn Khánh Phong of Việt Nam secures his first individual title in the men's rings in the 32nd Games.
"Last year, after losing to Yulo, I set a target to get better in this Games," said Phong, who sent his thanks to his coaches and the doctors who cared for his injuries.
"This year, I was a little nervous and tense prior to this event. But it seems to be a normal feeling of any athlete. In my mind were advice and words of encouragement from my father, my coaches and my teammates. I did all I could for the best result."
Last year, he lost out to Yulo. This year he had no worthy rival when the biggest one, Yulo, did not compete.
Thành secured 13,500 points for the title.
Đặng Ngọc Xuân Thiện defends his titles in the men's pommel horse.
Earlier, his teammate Đặng Ngọc Xuân Thiện defended his No 1 place in the men's pommel horse. He earned 13,450 points, leaving his nearest rivals from Indonesia and Malaysia far behind.
"I was under pressure as I had to defend my title," said Thiện. "But I tried to do my best, and I did."
By the end of the day, veteran gymnast Đinh Phương Thành took the last gold for the team in the horizontal bar.
Đinh Phương Thành meets no difficulty in winning the men's horizon bar event.
Abiyurafi Abiyurafi of Indonesia came second with 13,000 points, and Luqman Al Hafiz Zulfa of Malaysia was third with 12,250.
It was the team's four gold after their all-round event on May 8.
Also, on May 9, Vietnamese athletes won gold in vovinam, e-sport and ouk chaktrang chess. VNS
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