Top Vietnamese runner to retire after national championships

"This is perhaps my final tournament before switching to coaching. I have spent my youth in athletics, and it's really emotional when I look back at my journey," Huyen said after winning the women’s 400m gold medal on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old runner said her strength had declined and she could no longer keep up with the training plan. In addition, she has been married for five years and her daughter needed more attention.

Huyen has had a decorated career. She won a gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the Asian Youth Athletics Championship in 2012, two gold medals at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championship in the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay. Through six SEA Games editions, she won a total of 13 gold medals.

After giving birth in 2017, Huyen retired but returned four months later because she was missing the track. She immediately got back on top in the 400m and 400m hurdles category, helping Vietnam win gold medals in SEA Games and Asia.

"The young talents are improving fast, it's just that they haven't competed much in international tournaments. I believe that runners like Nguyen Thi Hang and Nguyen Thi Ngoc will soon make their breakthrough," Huyen said.

Huyen will compete in her final run, the 400m hurdles on Saturday.