Cambodian finswimmer Kaing Muoy Nin shines as an unsung hero, securing a historic gold medal and breaking a 50-year drought in the women’s 400m bi-fin event, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Cambodian swimmer Kaing Muoy Nin made history on May 12, winning the nation’s first gold medal in the pool in half a century. Muoy Nin’s victory came in the women’s 400m bi-fin finswimming event, where she set a new record with a time of 3:59.01.
Despite Cambodia’s conventional swimmers and divers finishing their 43 events without securing any medals, the finswimmers brought pride back to the nation with several notable performances. Muoy Nin’s gold medal-winning performance marks the first time in 50 years that the Khmer Swimming Federation has achieved such a feat.
Leading the pack, Muoy Nin finished more than five seconds ahead of Indonesia’s Az Zahra Raqiel. Her fellow Cambodian teammate, Khoeun Bun Pich Morakot, claimed the bronze medal, outperforming competitors from Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
Furthermore, Cambodian finswimmers Lim Sokwat Non, Toun Tith Satya, Lim Korm Udom, and Chhom Chanthorn secured a bronze medal in the men’s 4x200m surface relay, finishing behind Vietnam and Indonesia.
The last time Cambodia celebrated such a victory was during the 1973 SEA Games held in Singapore, where Cambodian athletes took home two gold, seven silver, and four bronze medals. Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol, who leads the Khmer Swimming Federation, expressed immense pride in Muoy Nin’s groundbreaking achievement.
This historic win not only highlights the potential of Cambodian athletes but also serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in sports development and infrastructure. With continued support and resources, Cambodian swimmers are poised to make waves on the international stage and inspire future generations to pursue their athletic dreams.
