Weightlifter Vinh carries Vietnam’s medal hope at Paris Olympics

Vinh is the only Vietnamese representative in weightlifting at the Paris 2024, which will be held from July 26 to Aug. 11.

Director of the Sports Authority of Vietnam (SAV) Dang Ha Viet was cautious when discussing the country’s medal potential at the world’s toughest competition, but said athletes were asked to do their best to win silverware.

Among the 16 athletes who will travel to France later this month, Vinh is one of the best hopes.

The 28-year-old will compete in the men’s 61kg, against 11 of the strongest rivals in world at this weight.

Based on their records, Vinh is unlikely to win a gold – as at least five of his direct competitors lifted over 300kg – while Vinh made 294kg in his latest competition three months ago.

Title candidates are Li Fabin of China, Hampton Morris of the U.S., Sergio Massidda of Italy, Eko Yuli Irawan of Indonesia and John Ceniza of the Philippines.

Vinh who landed home on July 15 after 40 days sharpening his skills in China, is aiming for bronze.

He was confident about his improvement, saying he was doing well with the specific programs and would demonstrate everything to make his Olympic medal dream come true.

“Definitely, my dream is an Olympic medal. I have struggled to overcome challenges in my career. Now I want to create more milestones and bring home victory,” said the former world champion, who returned to competitions in 2023 after a four-year ban of doping violation.

His coaches, however, did not want to reveal much about their athlete.

“We can’t say anything specific because Vinh’s statistic is secret. The main point to note is that he has achieved a stable psychological state and is ready for the Olympics,” said Nguyen Huy Hung, representative of the SAV’s Weightlifting Department.

“Through our channels, we carefully monitor the indicators of the 61kg category participants during the recent training period. Of course, these statistics are only a reference because they also keep them in secret.

“A good point is that Vinh is in comfortable mode and he is not listed as a medal candidate in Paris so he doesn’t shoulder heavy pressure.

“The actual competition will decide everything and that is the time when coaches implement their tactics to ensure our lifter performs well and surprises the opponent.”

Weightlifting is one of key sports of Vietnam and athletes in the discipline earned their official tickets in six Olympics in a row.

However, the last medal awarded to one of the team was a bronze at the London 2012 Olympics by Tran Le Quoc Toan.

The weightlifting team will leave for Paris on July 31. The 61kg category will be carried out on Aug. 7-8 at the South Paris Arena where Vinh will be supported by two coaches, twice the number of any other competitors in the Vietnam Olympic Team.