Nguyen Thi Anh Vien.

HA NOI (VNS) — Singapore online newspaper straitstimes.com called Viet Nam swimmer Nguyen Thi Anh Vien as one of 10 athletes to watch at the SEA Games, which kick off later this week.

It writes: "Singapore may have its young swim star in Joseph Schooling, but Viet Nam can also boast a bright young talent, in 19-year-old Nguyen Thi Anh Vien.

"Like Schooling, she is already a multiple SEA Games medallist, having won three golds, four silvers and a bronze at the 2011 and 2013 editions.

"Similarly, she is setting unprecedented feats for her country - becoming the first Vietnamese swimmer to clinch Asian Games medals when she earned two bronzes (200m backstroke and 400m individual medley) in Incheon last year."

Vien, who received a Prime Minister's merit certificate last week, is based in the United States, as she prepares to represent her country at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

At this SEA Games, Vien is tipped to challenge for six golds, even as she faces stiff competition from the Singapore contingent.

Other athletes mentioned by straitstimes.com are local footballer Irfan Fandi, shooter Jasmine Ser, and runner Zubin Muncherji, along with three Thai and one Malaysian athlete. — VNS