The 2024 Taiwan Open Athletics Championship, held from May 30 to June 3, saw impressive performances from Vietnamese athletes, particularly in the women’s 4x400m relay and the men’s 5,000m events. These competitions were crucial for Vietnam as they aimed to improve their standings for a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Women’s 4x400m Relay Team Shines
The highlight of the championship for Vietnam was the women’s 4x400m relay team, competing on the evening of June 2. The team, consisting of Nguyen Thi Ngoc, Quach Thi Lan, Hoang Thi Minh Hanh, and Nguyen Thi Hang, showcased their dominance over their competitors.
In an outstanding display of athleticism, the Vietnamese relay team secured first place with a time of 3 minutes 31.88 seconds, setting a new record for the Taiwan Open (China). Their closest competitors, a young team from China composed of Liu Chenyu, Chen Yi, Liao Zihan, and Liu Yanjin, finished with a time of 3 minutes 41.69 seconds, earning the silver medal.
Despite this remarkable performance, the Vietnamese women’s relay team still falls short of qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics. To secure a spot, they must surpass the current 16th-ranked Nigeria, with a time of 3 minutes 27.29 seconds, and the 15th-ranked Cuba, with a time of 3 minutes 26.08 seconds.
The Taiwan Open is part of the World Athletics Federation’s system, meaning the athletes’ results can count toward Olympic qualification.
Nguyen Trung Cuong Triumphs in Men’s 5,000m
Nguyen Trung Cuong, competing in the men’s 5,000m event, also delivered a stellar performance. Facing seven other athletes from Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, and the host nation Taiwan, the runner from Ha Tinh province displayed exceptional skill and endurance.
Cuong finished first with a time of 14 minutes 18.03 seconds, comfortably ahead of the second-place runner Syianturi Robi from Indonesia, who clocked in at 14 minutes 25.57 seconds. However, similar to the women’s relay team, Cuong’s time was not sufficient to secure an Olympic berth.
Future Aspirations
While the Vietnamese athletes demonstrated impressive performances at the Taiwan Open, the results highlight the challenging road ahead to secure Olympic qualifications. The women’s relay team, in particular, needs to make significant strides to meet the stringent qualification standards set by the global rankings.
The Taiwan Open served as a critical platform for the athletes to measure their progress and identify areas for improvement. With continued training and participation in high-caliber competitions, Vietnam’s track and field athletes remain determined to achieve their Olympic dreams.
In the meantime, the achievements in Taiwan are a testament to the hard work and potential of Vietnam’s athletes, who continue to inspire with their dedication and performances on the international stage.
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