On the evening of January 10, the 2024 Victory Cup Awards Gala took place in Hanoi. This is considered the "Oscar" award for Vietnamese sports.
Former swimmer Nguyen Thi Anh Vien appeared as a guest to present the "Female Athlete" of the Year award to shooter Trinh Thu Vinh. Anh Vien appeared in a long white dress with a "mermaid-like" train, lighting up the stage. With her familiar shy and witty answers, Anh Vien received many cheers from the hall.
After the ceremony, many spectators asked for autographs and took pictures with the Vietnamese swimming icon. Talking to Lao Dong, Anh Vien shared: "Returning to the Victory Cup but as the person presenting the cup, I feel very happy and nervous. It's the same feeling as when I was an athlete, waiting to know who is the female athlete of the year.
Awarding the trophy to the winner is also an opportunity for me to put my hope in the recipient so that they will achieve better results for Vietnamese sports. I think, any female athlete in Vietnam wants to receive the award. That is a happiness."
The former swimmer born in 1996 hopes that athletes, especially female athletes, will be given the opportunity to maximize their talents and bring good results to Vietnamese sports. In 2025, the 33rd SEA Games will take place in Thailand, and she hopes that female athletes will shine in this arena to bring many medals to Vietnam.
Sharing about her life after retirement, Anh Vien said: "Everything about me hasn't changed much. I still go to school and teach swimming to kids. After university, my teachers are guiding me to continue my studies.
Although I appear a little more at fashion and cosmetic events, my direction is still to continue writing my dream story associated with swimming. Next year I want to go and popularize swimming for children across Vietnam. I am very happy and content with my current life."
Besides, this former swimmer is also the supporter and companion for his younger brother Nguyen Quang Thuan (born in 2006) - who is considered the "precious gem" of Vietnamese swimming.
When asked if she thought about becoming a professional coach, Anh Vien said: "I just want to inspire children to swim. As for becoming a good coach, I think I still need to learn and improve my skills."
The "mermaid" of Vietnamese swimming also said that after retiring, she has more time to be with her family and fully enjoy the atmosphere of Tet.
"During this Tet holiday, I will go home to my grandparents and parents, cook banh tet, and celebrate the new year like everyone else. When I was an athlete, I didn't get to celebrate Tet fully, but now, every year I will celebrate Tet with my family.
When Tet comes, what I miss most is being with my family, sitting and eating together. I really like the family atmosphere," Anh Vien shared.
