Nguyen Khanh Linh, a 19-year-old Vietnamese runner, has made headlines in Thailand, winning not just a silver medal at the 33rd SEA Games but also the hearts of local fans with her charm.
Dubbed the “athletics angel” by Thai media, Linh captivated the public with her radiant vibe both on and off the track. According to Kapook, she quickly went viral on social media following her race, with posts about her beauty and talent attracting thousands of views and interactions.
“An online phenomenon. A Vietnamese runner, an ‘athletics angel’, so beautiful that she’s attracting everyone’s attention,” Kapook wrote. “Fans are eager to learn more about her as they are mesmerized.”
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Nguyen Khanh Linh, Vietnamese runner at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand, when she’s off the track. Photo by Instagram/@_knah.lynh10.th07_ |
Linh competed in the women’s 1,500m event on Dec. 11, clocking a time of 4 minutes and 29.76 seconds to claim the silver medal. She finished just behind her compatriot, Bui Thi Ngan, who took gold with a time of 4 minutes and 27.34 seconds.
Despite finishing second, Linh’s performance in Bangkok made her a widely discussed name among Thai athletics enthusiasts.
Daily News described Linh as an “adorable athlete who melts hearts,” noting that she became the center of attention on Thai social network immediately after the first day of competition.
“Besides her beauty, she is also talented. We want you to follow Khanh Linh closely,” the newspaper stated. “She is definitely a superstar in the future.”
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Nguyen Khanh Linh (R) during her 1,500m run at the 33rd SEA Games on Dec. 11, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong |
Manager Online and Sanook also posted photos of Linh, calling her the “rising star of Vietnam”, predicting that her talent and unique charisma would make her a superstar.
Linh is no stranger to Thai fans. Earlier in 2025, she won the gold medal in the women’s 1,500m event at the Thailand Open in Pathum Thani with a time of 4 minutes and 30.74 seconds.
Born on July 10, 2006, in Ha Nam Province in northern Vietnam, the 1.67m athlete is currently a student at the Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports.