A remarkable 2024
The past year was a breakout success for Trinh Thu Vinh.
She won a gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed event at the Asian Shooting Championships and secured fourth place at the Paris 2024 Olympics - the highest ranking among Vietnam's contingent.
Her outstanding achievements earned her two prestigious awards: Female Athlete of the Year at the Victory Cup (Vietnam's sports "Oscar") and National Athlete of the Year 2024.
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Dreaming of raising the national flag at the Olympics
Despite her accolades, the Thanh Hoa-born athlete, who turned 25 this year, expressed a lingering sense of regret over narrowly missing a medal in the 10m air pistol final at the Olympics.
“I was quite nervous competing in my first Olympics, the world’s most prestigious stage,” Vinh shared.
“My results surpassed my personal records, but they weren’t enough to bring glory to my country.
I lacked the skill and a bit of luck at the 2024 Olympics.
After the event, I reflected deeply on where I stand and how much more effort I need to make.
It’s a valuable lesson that fuels my dream to one day raise the national flag high on the international stage.
Returning from the competition, my sole focus has been on preparing for the next Olympics to settle this ‘unfinished business.’”
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Dedication to shooting above all else
Off the range, Trinh Thu Vinh is known for her cheerful demeanor and warm personality, a sharp contrast to the composed, “cool-headed” image she displays during competitions.
Her emotional depth was evident when her coach, Park Chung Gun, bid farewell to the Vietnamese shooting team.
Struggling to hold back tears during the farewell, she quietly stepped away to process her feelings in private.
As the new year begins, when asked if she has plans outside of sports to "bring home something special for her mother," Vinh shyly admitted that her sole focus remains on her shooting career.
“I want to become a better version of myself in 2025.
The coaching team has already set goals and plans for the year, and I’m determined to meet them.
I aim to compete at the 33rd SEA Games and, of course, strive for the highest achievements there.
For all other domestic and international tournaments, I’ll work closely with my coaches and give my best,” she said.
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From humble beginnings to a shooting star
Born in 2000 in Van Du (Thach Thanh, Thanh Hoa), Trinh Thu Vinh’s journey into sports began in seventh grade.
Initially spotted by a cau may (rattan ball game) coach for her athletic potential, she joined the track and field team of the People's Police.
However, after three years without much success in athletics, she was encouraged to try shooting.
Within just three months, she showed great promise and earned a spot on the team.
A year later, she claimed two gold medals and set a national youth record in the 10m air pistol event at the 2018 National Youth Shooting Championships.
Today, Trinh Thu Vinh is Vietnam’s leading female shooter in both the 10m air pistol and 25m sports pistol events.
As she continues her journey, her commitment to growth and excellence serves as an inspiration to Vietnam’s sports community.
Duy Nguyen