SEA Games

Phạm Thanh Bảo of Việt Nam reacts after winning a gold and setting a new record in the men's 200m breaststroke on May 10 in the Cambodian 32nd SEA Games.

HÀ NỘI — Phạm Thanh Bảo won a gold and set a new record in the men's 200m breaststroke on May 10 at the Cambodian 32nd SEA Games.

Bảo was among the top three swimmers for the first 150m. He surged ahead of the group in the last 50m to finish on 2min 11.45sec, setting a new Games record.

The old record was set by Singaporean Maximillian Ang Wei at 2:11.93 at the Hà Nội Games last May.

It was Bảo's first time winning this title after two unsuccessful attempts in previous Games.

"I am happy with the win because 200m breaststroke is my strong point," said Bảo. "I missed it in two Games, although the results were good. This time I have prepared very hard, wasting not a single second to improve my time."

"I tried harder, and I won. Thank you for your support."

Bảo said he had no special tactic for the win, but hard work was always key.

The 22-year-old now has two individual and one team golds, and two records. The first record was in the 100m breaststroke on May 7.

"I will compete in the 50m breaststroke tomorrow," Bảo said. "I will stay focused and defend my title."

Bảo is the only Vietnamese athlete so far to set a record at the 32nd SEA Games. VNS