1. Early Life and Background
Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên's early life in Phong Điền, Cần Thơ, laid the foundation for her remarkable swimming career, influenced by her family and her innate physical advantages.
1.1. Childhood and Early Training
Ánh Viên began her swimming journey with private lessons taught by her grandfather. Her natural talent quickly became apparent. By the time she was in the fifth grade, she competed for the first time at the district level, where she easily outperformed her opponents. Her success at the district competition led to her selection for the city-level student sports festival, where her exceptional abilities caught the attention of coaches.
1.2. Physical Attributes and Selection
Ánh Viên's physical characteristics were particularly well-suited for swimming. By the age of 16, she stood at 5.7 ft (1.73 m) tall, with long limbs measuring 6.2 ft (1.89 m) in arm span, and large feet. These attributes, combined with her naturally long and smooth muscle groups, were recognized as ideal for a swimmer. She was soon identified by coaches from a military team and joined the Sports and Physical Training Center of Military Region 9 (National Defense Sports Center 4), marking her entry into professional training and military service.
2. Swimming Career
Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên's swimming career was characterized by a rapid ascent through national and regional competitions, culminating in significant international achievements and multiple Olympic appearances.
2.1. Early International Participation (2011-2012)
In 2011, Ánh Viên demonstrated her national dominance by securing ten gold medals across ten categories at the National Swimming Championship. Later that year, she made her debut at the 26th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Indonesia, where she earned two silver medals in the 100m backstroke and 400m individual medley events. In 2012, she continued her progress at the Southeast Asian Swimming Championships, winning a gold medal in the 200m backstroke with a time of 2 minutes 13.66 seconds, surpassing four Olympic B standards. Her performances led to her first Olympic participation at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where she competed in the 200m backstroke and 400m individual medley.
2.2. Regional Dominance and National Success (2013-2014)
The period of 2013-2014 saw Ánh Viên solidify her regional dominance. At the 2nd Asian Youth Games in Nanjing, China, in August 2013, she secured four medals: three gold medals in the 50m backstroke, 200m backstroke, and 200m individual medley, along with one silver medal in the 100m backstroke. In December 2013, at the 27th SEA Games in Myanmar, she achieved a total of six medals, including three gold, two silver, and one bronze. During this event, she broke two SEA Games records: in the 200m backstroke with a time of 2 minutes 14.80 seconds, and in the 400m individual medley with a time of 4 minutes 46.16 seconds. Her outstanding performance earned her the title of "Golden Impression of SEA Games 27".
In March 2014, she continued her success at the Florida Spring Swimming Championships in the United States, winning four gold and two silver medals, and breaking the 400m individual medley record. In August 2014, Ánh Viên won a gold medal in the 200m individual medley at the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics in Nanjing. Her achievements extended to the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, in September 2014, where she secured two bronze medals in the 200m backstroke and 400m individual medley events, marking Vietnam's first-ever swimming medals at the Asian Games. By the end of 2014, she held Vietnamese national records in 14 out of 17 long-course individual events.
2.3. International Achievements and Olympic Participation (2015-2017)
The year 2015 marked a peak in Ánh Viên's career, particularly at the 28th SEA Games in Singapore. She emerged as the top female athlete of the competition, capturing eight gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal. Her exceptional performance helped Vietnam secure second place in swimming, trailing only the host nation, Singapore. She was also recognized as the second-highest gold medalist overall, behind Singaporean swimmer Joseph Schooling. At the 2015 FINA Swimming World Cup series, she achieved notable results, earning a silver medal in the 400m individual medley and a bronze medal in the 200m individual medley at the Moscow leg, and another bronze medal in the 400m individual medley at the Paris leg. She also competed in the 2015 World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, Russia, reaching the semifinals in the 200m individual medley and placing 10th in the 400m individual medley.
In 2016, Ánh Viên continued to excel at the 2016 Asian Swimming Championships in Tokyo, Japan, where she won a gold medal in the 400m individual medley, and three bronze medals in the 200m individual medley, 200m freestyle, and 800m freestyle. She also participated in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, though she did not advance past the preliminary rounds or secure any medals. At the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Ánh Viên had another stellar performance, securing eight gold medals across various events including 200m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 400m individual medley, 200m individual medley, 800m freestyle, 400m freestyle, 200m backstroke, and 100m backstroke. She also added two silver medals in the 200m breaststroke and 100m freestyle, breaking three SEA Games records in the process.
2.4. Later Career and Final Competitions (2019)
Ánh Viên's final major competition was the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines. She continued her medal-winning streak, securing six gold medals and two silver medals. This performance further cemented her status as one of Vietnam's most successful athletes in the history of the SEA Games.
3. Overseas Training and Development
A significant factor in Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên's development as an elite swimmer was the substantial investment in her overseas training. For six years, she underwent intensive long-term training in Florida, United States, a country renowned for its advanced swimming programs. This extensive training program was a strategic investment by Vietnam, costing approximately 7.00 B VND.
Initially, Ánh Viên trained with the Saint Augustine swimming club in Florida. In 2015, she transitioned to the more prominent Ebiscobal club, where she was coached by Cray Anthony Teeters, one of the leading coaches in American swimming. This dedicated and high-cost training regimen in a world-leading swimming nation was crucial to her athletic progression and the numerous successes she achieved on the international stage.
4. Military Service and Rank
Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên's athletic career was closely intertwined with her service in the Vietnamese People's Army. She was a member of the Army Sports Delegation and the National Swimming Team, holding the rank of a professional military officer.
In August 2013, at just 17 years old, Ánh Viên was exceptionally promoted to the rank of Lieutenant by the Command of Military Region 9 in recognition of her outstanding achievements that brought glory to Vietnamese sports. By late 2013, after her success at the 27th SEA Games and the Florida Spring Swimming Championships, the Ministry of National Defense further promoted her from Lieutenant to Captain ahead of schedule, when she was only 18 years old. Following her impressive performance at the 2017 SEA Games, there was a proposal to promote her from Captain to Major. By 2023, she was recognized as the youngest professional military officer holding the rank of Major in Vietnam. For her contributions, she was also awarded the Labor Order, First Class, and Labor Order, Second Class, by the President of Vietnam.
5. Awards and Honors
Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, recognizing her exceptional contributions to Vietnamese sports. She was named "Vietnam Athlete of the Year" in both 2013 and 2014, a testament to her consistent high performance. Her outstanding achievements at the 27th SEA Games in 2013 earned her the special recognition of "Golden Impression of SEA Games 27". Additionally, she was awarded the Labor Order, Second Class, and later the Labor Order, First Class, by the President of Vietnam, acknowledging her significant impact and success.
6. Personal Life
Despite her fierce competitive drive in the pool, Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên is known for her gentle and somewhat shy demeanor outside of competitions. She has a particular fondness for history as a subject but admits that eating is her least favorite activity. This aversion stems from the rigorous and strict dietary regimen required for an elite athlete. Her daily diet included four main meals and additional snacks, with a typical main meal consisting of at least 2.2 lb (1 kg) of beef, 50 shrimp, a large plate of noodles, mixed vegetables, and 1 L of fresh milk.
Due to her continuous training schedule, Ánh Viên had minimal personal expenses. She consistently sent most of her prize money and earnings back to her parents, enabling them to build a spacious and comfortable home. Her disciplined mindset and dedication are encapsulated in a notable quote she made at the 28th SEA Games:
"I have won many medals and broken many records at the SEA Games, but I will not stop striving. If I am satisfied with what I have achieved, I am a failure right now, not waiting until tomorrow. I don't dwell on victories; every day I strive as if I haven't won anything yet."
7. Retirement
Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên's decision to retire from competitive swimming was driven by her desire to prioritize her personal well-being and further her education. She officially requested to withdraw from high-performance competition, citing the need for self-care and to continue her studies.
Her announcement came as a surprise to the General Department of Sports and Physical Training of Vietnam, as she was part of the preparation plans for the 31st SEA Games in 2021. Initially, the General Department attempted to persuade her to continue competing until the 2021 SEA Games and sought a resolution with the military authorities regarding her status. However, on November 16, 2021, the General Department of Sports and Physical Training ultimately accepted Ánh Viên's retirement, marking the end of her illustrious competitive career.
8. Evaluation and Legacy
Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên's career left an indelible mark on Vietnamese swimming and sports, transforming public perception and setting new benchmarks for athletic achievement.
8.1. Public and Media Reception
Ánh Viên garnered widespread admiration from fellow athletes, coaches, and the media. Joseph Schooling, the top Singaporean swimmer, praised her, stating, "She has done everything perfectly; I have never seen an athlete do that. Ánh Viên has a heart of steel, an incredibly amazing competitive spirit. I am happy for her achievements." The Singaporean newspaper The Straits Times hailed her as the "most valuable athlete" of the Vietnamese sports delegation. Another Singaporean publication, The New Paper, bestowed upon her the nickname "Steel Girl" (Cô Gái ThépVietnamese) in recognition of her resilience and mental fortitude. David Lim, the coach of the Singapore national swimming team, also acknowledged her significant progress and impressive performance during joint training sessions. Her nickname, Tiểu tiên cáThe little mermaidVietnamese, became synonymous with her graceful yet powerful presence in the water.
8.2. Historical Impact
Ánh Viên's career holds immense historical significance for Vietnamese sports. Her bronze medals at the 2014 Asian Games were a groundbreaking achievement, marking Vietnam's first-ever swimming medals at this prestigious continental event. This success not only elevated the profile of swimming within the country but also instilled a profound sense of national pride. The unprecedented financial and strategic investment in her long-term training abroad underscored Vietnam's commitment to developing world-class athletes, with Ánh Viên serving as the prime example of the returns such investment could yield. Her consistent dominance at the SEA Games and her ability to compete on the international stage inspired a new generation of Vietnamese swimmers and athletes, demonstrating that with dedication and support, Vietnamese athletes could achieve global recognition.