Vietnamese swimmers bagged two more gold medals in the December 16competition day of the ongoing 17 th SEA Games in Myanmar, setting anew record for the country’s swimming when winning five gold medals atthe regional biggest sports event.

In thewomen’s 400m medley event, star swimmer Nguyen Thi Anh Vien finishedfirst at a time of 4:46.16, which shattered the record of 4:50.88 set byThailand’s Natthanan Junkrajang at the Games in Indonesia two yearsago.

This is the second record Vien has set at the competition, following her first in the women’s 200m backstroke.

With the gold medal, she set a new mark in Vietnam’s swimming historyby becoming the first-ever Vietnamese to win three gold medals, twosilvers and one bronze at one singles competition.

Vien’s teammate Hoang Quy Phuoc successfully defended his gold medalat his favourite event – the 200m freestyle, at a time of 1:50.64.

Furthermore, barefoot marathon runner Nguyen Thi Binh overcame hercongenital heart disease to bring home the country’s first gold medal inthe track and field competition with her best personal time of 2:45.34.

Meanwhile, in archery, ace Nguyen Tien Cuonglived up to expectations to win the first gold medal for the country inthe event by defeating his Thai rival 138-132 in the final.

Archers Dao Trong Kien and Loc Thi Dao also brought home another gold medal in the team competition.

In rowing, Le Thi An and Tran Thi Sam got a gold medal in the women’slightweight double scull event when the duo completed the race in8:02.96, 10 seconds ahead the Myanmar pair.

Meanwhile, in the cycling, at the men’s team 100km time trial, MaiNguyen Hung, Le Van Duan, Trinh Duc Tam and Nguyen Thanh Tam won thefirst gold medal for Vietnam in this category.

With seven golds gained on the December 16 competition day, Vietnamclimbed to the second place. The country obtained 43 gold, 36 silver and43 bronze medals, following Thailand with 59 medals, 45 silvers and 49bronzes. The host Myanmar came third with 39 gold, 38 silver and 41bronze medals.-VNA