Hoang Yen and the dream of conquering the blue lane

At just 14 years old, Nguyen Hoang Yen (class 8/3, Hung Vuong Secondary School, Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province) already owns a collection of 45 medals in swimming. Among them, the most challenging race she has conquered so far is the bronze medal in the 100-meter breaststroke (girls, ages 12–13) at the 10th National Phu Dong Sports Festival - 2024.

Nguyen Hoang Yen wins a silver medal at the 2025 Amateur Club Swimming Tournament - Round 1. Photo: courtesy of the subject

Swimming is both a passion and a “reward” for the young girl after she excels in her studies and school activities.

Passion, persistent practice

At the age of 6, like many children of her age, Nguyen Hoang Yen was sent by her parents to swimming lessons to acquire more life skills and improve her health.

Vo Thi Thuy Dung, Hoang Yen's mother, said: "The family sent her to swimming lessons at the Dong Nai Children's House with the initial purpose of teaching her how to swim and helping her become healthier. After a while, the teachers realized that she had talent and guided her to participate in many swimming competitions, from small to large, from local to regional and national competitions."

Alongside natural talent, what drives Hoang Yen’s success is her dedication and relentless effort in training. Practicing two to three times a week, regardless of unfavorable weather conditions such as rain, wind, or cold, and even during peak exam periods, her mother still arranges her study schedule to take her to the pool to train with her coaches.

For Yen, each training session is not only preparation for competitions but also a way to fulfill her passion for swimming. There, under the guidance of her coaches, she continues to develop new skills, build physical strength, and affirm her determination.

Hoang Yen shared: Each of my training sessions lasts about two hours. Thanks to consistent practice since the age of six, I have good health and rarely fall ill due to weather changes. I’ve also become accustomed to high-intensity workouts that demand the strength and endurance of a competitive swimmer.

Desire to conquer goals

Sharing her dream of becoming a professional swimmer in the future, Hoang Yen always reminds herself to keep striving in both her studies and school activities. She was recently awarded the title of Good Child of Uncle Ho by Dong Nai province in 2025.

Nguyen Hoang Yen with her medal collection. Photo: Lam Vien

Hoang Yen shared: My parents are always proud and supportive, accompanying me as I pursue my passion for swimming, but always with the 'condition' that I must maintain good academic performance. According to them, knowledge and education are essential and solid foundations that will stay with me throughout life. If you want to follow your passion, the first step is to study well.

“Competitions at various levels allow me to meet and compete with swimmers my age from across the region and the country. Through that, I’ve been able to learn a lot from my peers. I also see these competitions as a chance to challenge myself, stay motivated, and continue to train harder,” Yen added.

Bui Thi Ngoc Diep, coach of the swimming team at Dong Nai Children's House, said: Learning to swim equips young people with essential life-saving skills, helping them save themselves or others in emergencies. At the same time, swimming is an excellent sport for maintaining good health. For non-professional athletes like Hoang Yen, learning to swim, practicing, and competing in multiple races helps them develop the mental strength to persevere through challenges and setbacks, and fuels their desire to conquer personal goals. Reaching the podium means going through a full range of emotions.

“I believe these are vitally important and valuable experiences for their future lives and careers, no matter what field or profession they choose to pursue,” Diep shared.

By Lam Vien – Translated by Quoc Dung, Minho