Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Oanh wins steeplechase gold for 15th title, joins SEA Games athletics greats

Oanh finished well clear of the field, with teammate Doan Thu Hang second in 10:50.30, and added the title to earlier victories in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters at the Games.

The result places Oanh among the most successful athletes in SEA Games athletics history, alongside Myanmar’s Jennifer Lin Tay and the Philippines’ Elma Muros, the only other competitors to have won 15 gold medals in the sport.

All of Oanh’s SEA Games titles have come in track events, including the 1,500 meters, 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters, and 3,000 meters steeplechase.

Oanh, who has competed at the SEA Games since 2013, did not contest the 1,500 meters at this year’s event, saying the decision was made by the coaching staff and that the 30-year-old has not yet decided whether she will return to pursue further records.

The 2025 SEA Games run from December 9 to December 20 in Thailand and feature athletes from 11 countries.

Vietnam has sent 1,165 delegation members and is targeting between 80 and 100 gold medals.

As of 11:10 am on Wednesday, Vietnam was third in the medal standings with 52 golds, 55 silvers, and 78 bronzes.

Host Thailand led the medal table with 160 golds, 100 silvers and 66 bronzes, while Indonesia held second place with 62 gold, 73 silver, and 73 bronze medals.