Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên has returned to competitive swimming with a strong show in Ho Chi Minh City. The retired Vietnamese star won four gold medals at a warm-up event ahead of the National Sports Games. She took gold in the 100m and 200m backstroke, 200m freestyle and 200m individual medley.
Viên retired in 2022, yet her love for swimming has not faded. Her latest results show that she still has the skill and drive that made her one of Asia’s top swimmers. The event also gave her a chance to test her form before facing younger rivals from across Việt Nam.
“This comeback isn’t about winning medals or proving anything. I simply realised that my love for swimming is still there. I love it so much,” Viên said.
Her words show that this return means more than a medal count. She wants to swim, train and share her passion with others. Her comeback may also bring fresh interest to the sport as Việt Nam seeks new stars in the pool.
Viên first rose to fame in 2011, when she was just 15. She soon became a leading name in Vietnamese swimming. At the National Sports Games in 2014, 2018 and 2022, she won gold in almost every event she entered.
Her record at the 2022 National Swimming Championship was even more striking. She won all 21 gold medals in the individual and team events. The feat showed her wide range of skills and her place at the top of the sport.
Viên also made her mark across Southeast Asia. At five SEA Games, she won 25 gold medals, eight silver medals and two bronze medals. She added 12 golds at the Southeast Asian Swimming Championships, one at the Asian Championships, three at the Asian Youth Games and one at the Youth Olympics. She also took part in three Olympic Games.
For many fans, a Viên race often raised one main question: how fast would she finish? Her steady wins made her a symbol of success in Vietnamese sport.
Singaporean Olympic champion Joseph Schooling also praised her work ethic. He trained at the same venue as Viên in the United States and saw her compete at the 2015 SEA Games. She won eight gold medals at that event. Schooling praised her focus, discipline and strong will to win.
After Viên retired, Việt Nam faced a major challenge in women’s swimming. The team struggled to find a swimmer who could match her results at regional events and the SEA Games. Her return could help draw fans back to the pool and inspire the next wave of swimmers.
Life after retirement has given Viên a new role. She graduated with honours in Sports Coaching from the HCM City University of Sports in 2023. She now teaches children at her swimming club in Ho Chi Minh City. She also shares lessons and tips on social media.
Her work goes beyond sport and medals. Viên promotes basic swimming skills and water safety. She hopes more children will learn to swim and gain skills that may save lives.
She has also stayed active in sport. Over the past year, she joined aquathlon and triathlon events. She earned a top place in the sprint event at Ironman Phú Quốc 2025. In April 2026, she also competed in the 10km class at Oceanman Maldives.
“I want to swim, to train, to live again with passion, and continue to share love for the blue track with more people, especially young children. Hopefully, in this comeback, I still receive love and support from everyone,” Viên said.
Her latest results may not match the heights of her best years. Still, the four gold medals offer a useful test before the National Sports Games in Ho Chi Minh City. She is set to face strong swimmers from across the country.
Her presence could also add excitement to the swimming events and raise the profile of the sport. For young athletes, her return offers a clear lesson: success takes years of work, care and steady effort. For Viên, the biggest prize may be the chance to swim again and share that love with a new generation.
