Canoeist Hương aiming for best performance at Olympics

Olympics

Canoeist Nguyễn Thị Hương aims to set personal record at the Paris Olympics. — Photo nhandan.vn

PARIS — Canoeist Nguyễn Thị Hương will be the last Vietnamese athlete to compete at the Paris Olympics. Although she is not a medal favourite, Hương wants to set a new personal best.

The Olympic debutant has been at the competition venue for more than a week and is training hard to be familiar with the water surface conditions.

According to coach Lưu Văn Hoàn, the more she trains, the calmer she becomes and now she is acquainted with the wind, she could well adjust her speed.

The women’s C1 200m event will be held on August 8 when Hương will face 32 of the world’s strongest rivals including defending champion Nevin Harrison of the US, ICF World Champions Yarisleidis Cirilo Duboys of Cuba and world silver medalist Maria Corbera of Spain.

“I am proud to be a Vietnamese canoeing competitor at the Olympics. Since earning my official place I have given my best in practising, completing all heavy assignment and plans by the coaching board,” Hương said.

“I have also prepared myself good fitness and mentality to be ready at this huge arena.

“Olympics is a toughest tournament which features the world leading athletes. I will compete with high determination and show my best ability for the pride of Việt Nam. I believe I can earn the highest result in my career.”

Hương, 23, is asked to go as far as possible, ideally the medal round, in her category.

A day before Hương, the Vietnamese last medal hope – weightlifter Trịnh Văn Vinh – will take part in the men’s 61kg category.

Weightlifter Trịnh Văn Vinh is the last medal hope of Việt Nam in Paris. — VNA/VNS Photo

The former world champion was the last member of the delegation to check into the Athletes Village in Paris as the coaching board wanted to ensure him at highest preparation of physique and mentality, keeping him away from being distracted when training in the same venue with other rivals.

Twenty eight year old Vinh will compete against 11 of the strongest rivals in world such as Li Fabin of China, Hampton Morris of the US, Sergio Massidda of Italy, Eko Yuli Irawan of Indonesia and John Ceniza of the Philippines.

Based on registered statistics, Vinh is not a candidate for a medal, which, according to coaches, is an advantage as he won’t be under pressure.

Nguyễn Huy Hùng, representative of the Sports Authority of Việt Nam’s Weightlifting Department, said despite tough job, opportunity was available for everyone and believed that Vinh would have chance to take medal.

“In the recent training, Vinh maintains a stable performance with good result. In competition, the most important thing is the athlete’s spirit. He should be really determined and lift the barbell with the best of his ability,” Hùng said.

Meanwhile, Vinh shared he was in good physical condition and mentally most focused. This was his first time participating in the Olympics, but he was really determined to achieve the highest result.

“I have been preparing for months and now am ready to compete. The weightlifters here are all strong so I also compete with high care and caution.”

On August 4, former Asian cycling champion Nguyễn Thị Thật of Việt Nam finished out of the top 70 in the women’s road race event.

She completed the 158km race in a time of 4hr 10.47min and placed No 73 among 78 ranked cyclists with 14 other DNF.

Nguyễn Thị Thật of Việt Nam (second, right) competes in the women’s road race event in Paris. — VNA/VNS Photo

Thật was among the leading racers in the first 30km but after 50km mark, she dropped behind. Thật was the only Vietnamese participant in this race so was a lone rider against powerful rivals who received strong support from teammates throughout the tour.

In addition, an accident near the end of the race also slowed her down and she was among the last ones across the finish line.

The winner was Kristen Faulkner of the US (3:59.23), followed by Vos Marianne of the Netherlands and Kopecky Lotte of Belgium. — VNS