During the three days of fin swimming at the Swimming Pool Building Center, Cambodian swimmer Kaing Muyning bagged gold in the women's 400m Bi Fins and women's 200m Bi Fins.

Kheun Bunpichmorakat won the bronze medal in the women's 400m Bi Fins and women's 200m Bi Fins.

In the men’s 200m Surface category, Lim Sokwadthnoon won the silver medal while Toun Tithsatya took bronze.

In the team category, Chhom Chanthon, Lim Keouodom, Lim Sokwadthnoon, and Toun Tithsatya won bronze in the 4x200m Surface Relay.

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Toun Tithsatya (left) win bronze and Lim Sokwadthnoon win silver. Kiripost/Mao Sreypich

Expressing joy, Sun Chantol, president of the Khmer Swimming Federation, congratulated the athletes who received medals.

He said Cambodia’s bagging of two gold medals was a testimonial of Cambodia's history and a symbol of pride, and that the sports sector is growing.

“I'm overjoyed, and I hope that our athletes work even harder to bring home [more] medals in the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand, as well as other international competitions,” he said.

He also urged everyone, particularly youngsters, to join the Khmer Swimming Federation and practice with the national team, and support sports events.

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Kaing Muynin, a gold medalist, poses for picture with Sun Chantol, president of the Khmer Swimming Federation. Kiripost/Mao Sreypich

“This is the first time I’ve seen so many supporters. Nothing like this has ever happened before. When we have competitions, only 10 to 20 people would come to cheer but today it's completely full,” he said. “So, I want our people to continue supporting our athletes so that they will have the motivation to win medals for our nation.”

Kaing Muynin, a gold medalist, said she only expected to compete in the SEA Games and did not expect to win a medal as she was young and that her opponent had been training much longer than her.

She had only trained for four months in Vietnam as standard training prior to the games.

Kaing Muynin, a gold medalist in finswimming. Kiripost/Mao Sreypich

“I thought participating in the SEA Games was enough for me. But, unexpectedly, I won a gold medal. I don't have anything to say because I'm overjoyed,” Muynin said.

She was proud of winning a gold medal in front of so many people, including her family, who initially did not encourage her to pursue the sport because swimming “could not support her life forever”.

“Previously, my family did not want me to participate in swimming. They wanted me to concentrate on my studies since my future is more important.

Kaing Muynin, a gold medalist in finswimming. Kiripost/Mao Sreypich

“But what I'm doing today, I can show my parents. They are delighted and supportive, but they are more concerned about my future,” she said. “So it's not their fault, but now this is proof that I can do sports and study.”

Bronze medalist Kheun Bunpichmorakat remarked how excited she was about winning a medal, which she had thought she would not. She had been training for about six months and this is her first medal.

“When I knew I won third place, I was very happy,” she said. “Also, thank you everyone for supporting swimming and fin swimming. I'd like to dedicate this medal to the people of Cambodia.”

Supporters at finswimming. Kiripost/Mao Sreypich

Toun Tithsatya, another bronze medalist, said he was excited to win a medal for the first time. “I spent nearly 14 months training, so I'm overjoyed with this result. I will try my best in the next SEA Games 2025 in Thailand.”

Silver medalist Lim Sokwadthnoon was delighted with his performance today. “As there are so many Cambodian supporters here before the swimming [competition started], we pledge to try our best on the last day of fin swimming,” he said.

mao.sreypich@kiripost.com