Sorn Seavmey

2.1. Family Background and Early Life

Sorn Seavmey was born on September 14, 1995, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She hails from a Chinese-Cambodian family, with her father, Sorn Meheang, being of Chinese descent, and her mother, Soun Chanthy, a Khmer woman born in 1955. Seavmey is the youngest of six children, with three brothers and three sisters. Her father passed away due to a traffic accident.

2.2. Introduction to Taekwondo

Seavmey's initial involvement in taekwondo began around 2010. Rather than aiming for professional sports, she initially engaged in the discipline as a form of regular exercise. However, her elder brother, Sorn Elit, and sister, Sorn Davin, were already national taekwondo athletes for Cambodia, training within a taekwondo club. Their participation served as a significant influence and inspiration. During her training, Seavmey encountered a Korean coach who played a crucial role in her development. This coach provided dedicated guidance and motivation, transforming her casual interest into a professional pursuit, ultimately leading her to become a decorated taekwondo champion. Her height is 72 in ^{(183 cm)}.

3.1. Southeast Asian Games

Sorn Seavmey has consistently demonstrated her dominance at the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). She first medaled in 2011, securing a bronze medal in the light weight (57-62 kg) division at the SEA Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia. She then went on to win multiple gold medals:

• 2013 SEA Games** in Naypyidaw, Myanmar (Middle Weight 67-73 kg)
• 2017 SEA Games** in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Middle Weight 67-73 kg)
• 2019 SEA Games** in the Philippines (Heavy Weight 73+ kg)
• 2023 SEA Games** hosted in Cambodia (Heavy Weight 73+ kg), where she defeated Sirimanotham Sonesavnh from the Lao People's Democratic Republic with a score of 2-0 in the final.

3.2. 2014 Asian Games Gold Medal

Sorn Seavmey's most significant achievement came at the 2014 Asian Games held in Incheon, South Korea. Competing in the women's under-73 kg event, she made history by becoming the first Cambodian athlete to win a gold medal at the Asian Games. Her path to gold involved a series of decisive victories:

• In the first round, she dominantly defeated her opponent from Uzbekistan with a score of 29-7.
• She then advanced to the semi-final, where she narrowly beat her Filipino opponent 6-5.
• In the final round, Seavmey faced Fatemeh Rouhani of Iran and secured the gold medal with a score of 7-4.

This victory was profoundly significant for Cambodia, as it marked the nation's first gold medal at the Asian Games since its initial participation in 1954, and its first medal of any kind since the 1970 Asian Games. Her achievement immediately elevated her to national hero status.

3.3. Olympic and Other International Appearances

Following her success, Sorn Seavmey qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she competed in the women's +67 kg division. She served as the flag bearer for Cambodia during the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony. In the competition, she was defeated by Reshmie Oogink of the Netherlands during the round of 16. Seavmey also carried the flag for Cambodia during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asian Games.

4.1. National Recognition and Honors

Upon her historic gold medal win at the 2014 Asian Games, Sorn Seavmey was immediately celebrated as a national hero across Cambodia. Her triumph ignited immense national pride. In recognition of her outstanding contribution, King Norodom Sihamoni bestowed upon her the honorary title of "Oknha", a highly esteemed civilian title in Cambodia, which grants the holder a status equivalent to a Secretary of State. This honor underscores the significant positive impact of her achievements on the nation's morale and identity.

4.2. Public Stance and Influence

Beyond her athletic success, Sorn Seavmey has cultivated a strong public image defined by her principled character. Notably, she made a conscious and principled decision to decline lucrative advertising offers from mainstream alcohol companies within Cambodia. This refusal came despite significant financial incentives, including support from a local alcohol company that was also a sponsor of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia. Seavmey's steadfast refusal to endorse alcohol products, based on her personal values, further enhanced her reputation. Her actions have positioned her as a powerful role model for Cambodian society and youth, inspiring many through her integrity and dedication to positive influence.