At ASIAD 20, Duong Thuy Vi at the age of 33 is still a big hope for Vietnamese sports. In the Swordplay competition, she achieved 9.703 points, ranked behind Yao Yang (9.773 points) and Nahoma Kida (9.720 points).
In the Martial Arts competition, Yao Yang continued to maintain high form with 9.773 points, while Kida achieved 9.726 points. In the context of a close medal competition, Thuy Vi completed the test with 9.710 points. This result helped her win a bronze medal with a total score of 19.413.
This is also the 4th time Thuy Vi has stepped onto the ASIAD medal podium. She once won a gold medal at Incheon 2014, then a silver medal at Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2023. The achievement at Aichi-Nagoya continues to extend the female boxer's streak after 16 years since her first ASIAD appearance in Guangzhou 2010.
Thuy Vi said that the pressure at this year's tournament comes from many sides, including her own future story. She planned to retire from ASIAD 2014 but then continued to compete in three more Asian Games.
I have been under pressure since I was at home (the intention to retire), but this afternoon is even more pressure, that's for sure. I have never arrived so early, nearly 1 week in Japan while before I usually only warmed up 1 session and competed immediately. I was the last player, looking at everyone competing very anxiously, I just wanted to compete immediately.
Thanks to my domestic and international competition experience, in the morning before the competition day, I only warmed up gently and rested in the afternoon.
In the evening, I just go for a walk to have dinner and then rest. I don't change my normal rhythm of life to achieve the most comfortable state, just like my normal workout," Thuy Vi said.
After ASIAD 20, Thuy Vi also mentioned her role with the next generation. The female martial artist assessed that Vietnamese taolu athletes have technique but are still limited in stability and fitness, thereby affecting the competition psychology.
At the age of 33, Thuy Vi admits that the time to leave the national team may not be far away. However, she hopes that the remaining time will be used to accompany and support young athletes.
I think staying is also accompanying and supporting the players. That is the most important thing. I hope the players will achieve more medals than I do, not replace me," the female athlete expressed.
