Star gymnast dies at 18 after neck injury

Triet landed on his head while practicing a backflip during a practice session at the National Sports Training Center in Hanoi on Nov. 10, 2023. The accident paralyzed his arms and legs, and he had to undergo immediate emergency surgery at the E Hospital. He was later treated for spinal paralysis at the Bach Mai Hospital. However, doctors said he was unlikely to recover. He was transferred to the Thanh Nhan Hospital in April.

Triet has been one of the young hopes for the Vietnamese national gymnastics program. Coaches have said that he trains very hard and keeps close to his heart the dream of competing for Vietnam and becoming a gymnastics star.

Every month, Triet spends his entire salary supporting his family. His father is over 60 years old and retired, his mother has cancer, and his brother is sick and unable to work. He also has a five-year-old sister.

The National Sports Training Center has covered the initial cost of surgery for Triet, as required by regulations.

"This is too big a loss for Vietnam's gymnastics. We can now only pray for Triet to rest in peace after his long battle," said Hau Trung Linh, Triet's coach.

Triet's funeral would take place on Saturday at the funeral home of the Thanh Nhan Hospital.