Despite missing out on a bronze medal placing at Halong Bay, Trinh's tenacity and resilience was apparent for all to see as she chased down the leading pack to finish fourth in the Women's Duathlon
PHOTO: SYUHAINI AZLIN, SPORTPLUS.SG
Having a fall just two weeks before the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in May, duathlete Nguyễn Thị Phương Trinh faced an uphill task in getting herself fit and ready to compete at Tuan Chau Island in Halong Bay for the duathlon (run-bike-run) event.
The 2019 SEA Games bronze medalist had targeted a gold or silver on home ground while training in 2020 and 2021, and it looked a possible dream as she won both editions of TRI-Factor Vietnam in 2021 and 2022 until she faced an unexpected setback beyond her control.
Even then, the cheerful Vietnamese chose not to focus on her injury or fatigue but rather looked ahead towards training and competing well. Thankfully, the support she received from Vietnam's coaching staff and medical team also got her back into a good position to compete against a field of 11 competitors across the region.
PHOTO: SYUHAINI AZLIN, SPORTPLUS.SG
Despite missing out on a bronze medal placing at Halong Bay, Trinh's tenacity and resilience was apparent for all to see as she chased down the leading pack in the final stretch of the race, coming in fourth eventually with a time of 2 hours 15.54 minutes.
Born in the Central Highlands’ Gia Lai Province, Trinh's strength is in cycling but she is also a key member of the Mekong Delta province Athletics Team from Hậu Giang.
PHOTO: SYUHAINI AZLIN, SPORTPLUS.SG
For Trinh to live uplifted means the happy moments that motivate her and every team member in the team, who always encourage each other to train well and finish strong, while she also credits her family for being her source of motivation for her to surpass herself and obtain her goal at the 31st SEA Games.
PHOTO: SYUHAINI AZLIN, SPORTPLUS.SG
Wearing the METASPEED SKY shoes to compete in the 31st SEA Games, Trinh says it's because she finds it suitable for her foot form and feels comfortable to run in, while the design is good and the striking colours are exactly the kind she likes.
“I knew the Games would be difficult,” Trinh added. “But every sport has its surprises. I’ve trained hard and competed my heart out. That's what matters.”
PHOTO: SYUHAINI AZLIN, SPORTPLUS.SG
Trinh hopes her story will help to uplift and inspire others who encounter challenges and difficulties like her whenever they feel stuck, and to surpass these obstacles to reach their goals.