Viet Nam earns bronze at continental relay champs, set new national record

Viet Nam was among eight teams in the final round of the mixed 4x400m event at the National Stadium.

It was a team of three young and one senior runners. They successfully finished third with a time of 3min 18.41sec, setting a new national record.

The old record of 3:19.37 was made at the 31st SEA Games in 2022 in Ha Noi.

The winning team was India which ran 3:14.12, followed by Sri Lanka on 3:17.00.

Speaking with reporters after the race, Le Ngoc Phuc who ran the third leg, said it was the result that he expected.

"This is the first time I have competed in an international tournament outside of Viet Nam. I have struggled in my career and never participated in any international tournament outside of the country. This is a sweet beginning as I have earned a medal," he said.

Phuc returned to the national team last September after being banned 16 months due to a doping violation. The runner said he left everything behind and it was time to focus on his running.

He hoped that the smooth beginning would help him have better results in other competitions in 2024.

Meanwhile former Asian 400m hurdles champion Quach Thi Lan said she was confident to show people that her doping ban last year was only an accident and she could run even better in the future.

Coach Dang Van Thanh said his athletes prepared well for the tournament and their bronze was good result, stimulating their spirit as they would compete in other event in the next day.

On May 21, Lan will be member of the women's 4x400m which will seek for not only a top position of the championship but also a place at the Paris Olympics.

Meanwhile Phuc will team up with the men's 4x400 squad which will run after the women's 4x100m event with the participation of young runners Ha Thi Thu, Kha Thanh Truc, Le Thi Cam Tu and Phung Thi Hue./.