Huy Hoang won the bronze medal in swimming at the 19th ASIAD. (Photo: Quy Luong)

In the men's 800m freestyle event at the 19th ASIAD (Hangzhou, China), Nguyen Huy Hoang finished 3rd with a time of 7 minutes 51 seconds 44.

Although this is not the best achievement of the athlete from Quang Binh, he has completed his goal of winning a medal at the 19th ASIAD.

In addition, the swimmer born in 2000 also achieved the A standard for the 2024 Olympics (the A standard is 7 minutes 51 seconds 65). Huy Hoang became the third athlete of Vietnamese sports to have a ticket to France in 2024, after Trinh Thu Vinh (shooting) and Nguyen Thi That (cycling).

Sharing his feelings after winning the "double" of joy on the evening of September 28, Huy Hoang said: "I am very happy to be the first athlete of the Vietnamese swimming team to win a medal at the 19th ASIAD. This is an achievement that I have worked very hard for.

I had to train hard. When I was training in Hungary, I always encouraged myself that there were still a few days left until the 19th Asian Games, but there were days when I was so tired that I couldn't go home.

The achievements I have just achieved cannot be compared to the 2018 ASIAD, but now I have regained my senses. The day before, I was a bit nervous and mentally unstable.

I still have some regrets but I achieved my goal of winning a medal. I feel very happy with the medal today."

Although he could not change the color of the medal at the biggest sports event in Asia, Huy Hoang still expressed satisfaction with his achievements. The Quang Binh swimmer also affirmed that he will be more confident to continue pursuing his career.

Huy Hoang added: "In my favorite distance of 1,500m, I was very worried when I set a goal to achieve. After that, I felt I didn't need to put pressure on myself. I kept myself in a relaxed state of mind, like I was going out for a walk. This bronze medal has helped me feel much more excited."

"I want to dedicate this medal to my family and friends who have accompanied me and shared my joys and sorrows. A few days ago, I felt scared and not in a good mood.

Friends and family always encourage me and do everything to help me relieve my psychological stress," Huy Hoang sent his thanks to his family and those who always support and help him.

With the "opening" medal for the Vietnamese swimming team at the 19th ASIAD, Huy Hoang has a lot more motivation before competing in the final event, the men's 400m freestyle.

Huy Hoang's bronze medal also concluded a very successful competition day on September 28 for the Vietnamese sports delegation, with 1 gold medal, 1 silver medal and 2 bronze medals. As of 9:00 p.m. on September 28, the Vietnamese sports delegation temporarily ranked 15th on the Games' rankings.