Vietnam's Trinh Thu Vinh has been awarded the prestigious title of the country's top athlete for 2024, following remarkable performances throughout the year. The announcement was made on December 26, 2024, by the Sports Authority of Vietnam during its annual athlete poll, where over 200 sports journalists participated.
Trinh Thu Vinh's year has been nothing short of extraordinary. She clinched gold at the Asian Shooting Championships and solidified her position as one of the sport's elite by finishing fourth in the highly competitive women’s 10m air pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This immense success positioned her prominently among Vietnam's sports personalities.
Following closely behind Vinh were her fellow athletes, with billiards player Tran Quyet Chien receiving recognition for his exceptional skills, and volleyball star Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen taking third place. Their outstanding achievements have played significant roles in shaping Vietnam's rich sports narrative.
The awards also spotlighted coaching excellence, particularly highlighting Nguyen Tuan Kiet, the head coach of the national women’s volleyball team, who topped the coaches’ rankings with 482 points. His leadership efforts led the team to defend their title successfully at the 2024 Challenger Cup, adding the bronze medal from the FIVB Challenger Cup and silver from the VTV Cup to their accolades.
Notably, the national women's indoor volleyball squad was lauded as the outstanding team of 2024, scoring 341 points, showcasing the team's cohesion and dedication. They surpassed competitors including the national women's futsal team and the 4x400m women’s relay coalition.
Brownies and achievements were celebrated across the board, signaling the flourishing growth of various sports disciplines within the nation. The event also honored outstanding performances by athletes with disabilities, with powerlifter Le Van Cong taking the lead, scoring 538 points for his remarkable achievements.
Female powerlifter Chau Hoang Tuyet Loan and swimmer Le Tien Dat also received accolades for their respective performances, rounding out the top spots and showcasing the depth of talent present among athletes with disabilities. Coach Le Quang Thai led the coach rankings within this category.
The athlete poll has been pivotal since its inception, serving not only as recognition for outstanding sports achievements but also instilling motivation and fostering commitment among athletes and coaches moving forward.
"This year, the coveted title of Vietnam's most outstanding athlete was awarded to shooter Trinh Thu Vinh," officials stated, reinforcing her significant contribution to the country's sports legacy. Their sentiments reflect the rising standards and achievements within Vietnamese sports.
With these awards, Vietnam’s sports community enters another year of inspiring narratives, exemplifying the dedication and tenacity of its athletes and coaches. The contributions recognized not only promote national pride but also pave the way for future athletes who aspire to reach new heights of achievement.
