Vietnamese swimming legend Nguyen Thi Anh Vien has announced she will return to competitive racing at the 2026 National Games, representing the Army four years after stepping away from the sport.

A Surprising Return to the Pool

Nguyen Thi Anh Vien, a 30-year-old native of Can Tho, holds an extensive record in regional and international competition. Across her career, she has secured 25 gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games, one silver and one bronze at the Asian Championships, and two bronze medals at the Asian Games, alongside two Olympic appearances. She has also claimed hundreds of gold medals in domestic events, highlighted by a record 21 gold medals at a single national championship.

Her return follows a brief appearance at a pre-Olympic swimming and diving competition in Ho Chi Minh City, where she entered unexpectedly and won four gold medals.

“Han pasado 4 años desde que regresé a la pista,” Anh Vien stated. “Esta vez, no regreso por medallas ni para demostrar mi valía, sino simplemente porque me doy cuenta de que sigo amando la natación. Quiero nadar, entrenar, revivir mi pasión y transmitir mi amor por la pista verde a más personas, especialmente a los niños. Espero que en este camino siga recibiendo el cariño y el apoyo de todos.”

Academic Pursuits and Post-Retirement Projects

Following the 2022 National Sports Games—where she won nine gold medals for the Army—Anh Vien announced her retirement, which drew significant disappointment from supporters. Over the subsequent years, she shifted her focus to higher education.

Alongside her studies, she established her own swimming club, participated in drowning prevention and swimming instruction programs, and maintained training through triathlons and duathlons.

Endurance in Badminton and Chess

While Anh Vien prepares for her comeback, Nguyen Tien Minh and Le Quang Liem are also shaping the competitive landscape for upcoming events. Nguyen Tien Minh, now 43, first competed in the Olympic Games twenty-four years ago at age 19. He remains Vietnam’s most successful badminton player, having earned a bronze medal at the 2013 World Championships and reached fifth place in the Badminton World Federation rankings.

Tien Minh is currently training in Quang Tri ahead of the National Badminton Championship for outstanding players, serving as preparation for the 2026 Games. Le Quang Liem, the 2013 World Blitz Chess Champion, has likewise confirmed his participation for Ho Chi Minh City, having missed previous events due to international scheduling commitments.

Unresolved Questions Ahead of 2026

With the 2026 National Games approaching, specific event entries for returning competitors remain unconfirmed. While Anh Vien has stated her intention to represent the Army in the pool, Nguyen Tien Minh has not yet disclosed which precise badminton events he will enter following the national tournament in Quang Tri.