Sorn Seavmey, left, is seeking a fourth Southeast Asian Games title in front of a home crowd in Phnom Penh ©Getty Images

Cambodian taekwondo athlete Sorn Seavmey is aiming to seal a fourth Southeast Asian Games gold medal in front of a home crowd at the event which began earlier this week.

She won titles in a variety of weight categories at the 2013, 2017, and 2019 editions of the regional Games.

The 27-year-old also secured continental success at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon. 

"It was very exciting to get on the podium to get the gold and even more exciting when our national song was played and all 45 countries got up to respect Cambodia," Seavmey said.

She has used her increased profile to encourage young Cambodians to get involved in sport.


Sorn Seavmey has become a high profile figure in Cambodia following her success in the Southeast Asian Games ©Getty Images
Sorn Seavmey has become a high profile figure in Cambodia following her success in the Southeast Asian Games ©Getty Images

"Aside from being fun, sports activities are good for the health," Seavmey said.


"You will be part, and will contribute to, the development of Cambodian sports."

After becoming an Olympic Solidarity scholarship recipient, Seavmey became Cambodia's first ever athlete to qualify outright for the Olympic Games as she competed at Rio 2016. 

She was also chosen as her country's flagbearer in Brazil and served in the same role at the 2018 Asian Games in the Jakarta Palembang.

Sorn Seavmey was lifted through the air at the Cambodia 2023 Opening Ceremony to light the flame and mark the beginning of the Games ©Getty Images
Sorn Seavmey was lifted through the air at the Cambodia 2023 Opening Ceremony to light the flame and mark the beginning of the Games ©Getty Images

Seavmey played an instrumental role in the Cambodia 2023 Opening Ceremony which took place at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh on Friday (April 5) as she was lifted through the air in a harness to light the flame and mark the official start of the event which is due to run until May 17.

The taekwondo competitions at Cambodia 2023 are set to start on Friday (May 12) and conclude the following Sunday (May 15) with a total of 24 gold medals to be won.

Seavmey is expected to compete in the women's over-73-kilograms tournament.