100 kids compete in aquathlon tournament DNSE Aquaman Vietnam

At 6:30 a.m., children and their parents gathered at Bikini Beach, NovaWorld Phan Thiet, ready for the competition. Many were participating in a biathlon for the first time. Some were nervous, holding their parents' hands tightly, while others confidently lined up at the starting point.

The organizers divided the children into two groups, starting 10 seconds apart, to ensure comfortable competition spaces.

Children cross the starting line at DNSE Aquaman Vietnam. Photo by AV

Two buoy lines were set up to guide the swimmers, along with several SUPs and rescue canoes positioned for assistance. The children were allowed to use the buoys during the competition.

The competition conditions were ideal, with gentle waves and minimal wind. Within approximately 10 minutes, many kids successfully completed the distance, and the leading group finished in just 5 minutes.

However, some participants were unfamiliar with swimming in the sea. They disoriented when faced with the waves and gave up, despite the encouraging shouting from hundreds of spectators. Some children who were swimming in the sea for the first time struggled with the waves and needed canoes and SUPs from the organizers to bring them back to shore.

After completing the swim, the children moved to the transition area to change clothes, put on shoes, and wear bib stickers before starting the 1 km run. They had no difficulty running the short distance due to the good weather conditions.

Children start the swimming part at DNSE Aquaman Vietnam. Photo by AV

At 7:30 a.m., 9-year-old Hoang Do Ha Quyen became the first girl to cross the finish line. Quyen completed the swim course in 6 minutes and 54 seconds and finished the 1-kilometer run in 3 minutes and 19 seconds.

Quyen is a student of renowned triathlon athlete Lam Quang Nhat.

Hoang Do Ha Quyen becomes the AquaKid champion. Photo by AV

The remaining group of young athletes steadily reached the finish line within 30 minutes. Each participant who successfully completed the tournament received a medal.

The organizers prepared water, electrolytes, and medical supplies to support the children after the race.

AquaKid is the inaugural event of the DNSE Aquaman Vietnam tournament. The remaining events include Aquaman (2-kilometer swim, 21-kilometer run), Half Aqua (1-kilometer swim, 10-kilometer run), and Sprint Aqua (500-meter swim, 5-kilometer run).

This is the second edition of the biathlon tournament, following its debut in Tra Co, Quang Ninh.