Star swimmer to sit out of SEA Games 31

"I have spent 12 years on this journey with swimming. Now I want to live a normal life and learn many new things. I won't participate in SEA Games 31 because of my current form and health. I'd like to thank everyone who have been supporting me on this journey," Vien said after the national swimming championship on Sunday.

In the nationals, Vien proved she has no competition, winning a total 21 gold medals. However, her results were not as good as in previous tournaments.

After Tokyo Olympics last year, when she went home empty-handed, Vien requested to leave the national team due to her age and continuously dropping form.

Vien, 25, is the most successful Vietnamese swimmer in history. During 10 years of her professional career, Vien won 25 SEA Games golds, a silver and three bronze medals in Asian tournaments, and a Youth Olympic gold. She has dominated domestic swimming in Vietnam for years, holding many accolades and records.