Van Trang between applause and scorn: 'Run on my feet, not on the words of others'

Van Trang crossed the finish line at the Y Ty Mua Vang 2026 race on a late summer morning. Her watch stopped at 4 hours 26 minutes, a number that made the entire trail look back. With this result, she took first place among all female runners in the 42km distance and finished second overall, behind only one male athlete. A mother of four, born in 2026 and coming from Hanoi, had done something many professional runners dream of. But the glory had not yet settled before she was dragged into a controversy unrelated to the race. A part of social media focused on her naturally large bust under the tight sportswear and used disrespectful words to mock her. Instead of staying silent, Van Trang fought back strongly, reminding people that she runs on her feet, not on the words of others. Her story quickly spread through running groups and became a debate about how women in sport should be treated. The Y Ty Mua Vang race is one of the toughest trail races in the Northwest region. The 42km course sits around the Lao Than mountain area, 2,860 meters above sea level. The total accumulated elevation of the route exceeds 1,300 meters, with steep slopes, rugged terrain and thin air at high altitude. It is a severe test of endurance, calculation and mental strength. In that harsh environment, Van Trang did not waver. She recalled the moment when she had to push her body to the limit: "The 42km distance has slopes that almost drain your energy. At that time, I only focused on each section ahead, kept my breathing steady, divided my strength and refueled at the right time. I always told myself: 'Stay calm, as long as you still have strength, you still have a chance.'" Her reply showed a very different mentality from the gossip on social media. While many were staring at her appearance, Van Trang looked at every footstep, every breath and every milestone on the trail. Her endurance did not come from luck. In addition to running, she combines gym training, swimming and supplementary exercises to build her physical strength every day. That regularity and discipline created a body capable of conquering the longest distances. Right after she left the awards podium, some social media users took her image to running groups and made rude comments. They focused on the natural curves under her sportswear and used crude words to describe her body. The crowd's gaze did not stop at professionalism, achievement, or the will to conquer the mountains. This upset many sports fans, but Van Trang chose to respond in her own language. "I am telling the truth: I challenge anyone to carry two grapefruits and run 42km or 55km of mountain trail! I run with my feet, not with my appearance, so why do you bring me into groups to gossip? Some see pressure, I see it as motivation, as 'vitamin C' for my spirit. What matters is that I finished, that I am healthy and happy. Judge as much as you want, I run on my own feet, not on the words of others!" she declared. The phrase "run on your feet, not on the words of others" quickly became a powerful message on sports forums. It was not just a personal response, but a reminder of the boundary between cheering and prying in sport. Van Trang also expressed her hope that the public would have a more civilized view of women in sports. She said: "When a woman competes in sport, the first thing that should be recognized is her effort and achievement. Appearance is each person's own story, but achievement is the result of years of training. When you look at a woman on the trail, I hope you see someone trying to conquer her own limits." For Van Trang, sportswear is not meant to please anyone. Clothing must be comfortable, safe and suitable for movement. She does not want to change herself just because she fears other people's eyes. "If I changed myself just because I was afraid of judgment, I would always have to live under other people's eyes. I choose to focus on the trail and my goals," she added. Her words touched a deeper issue in Vietnamese sport. Many female athletes have faced comments about their looks instead of being honored for their efforts. Their achievements are overshadowed by things unrelated to their sport. Van Trang believes a civilized sporting society needs to learn to see women through their results, dedication and fighting spirit on the field. Van Trang felt relieved when she walked past the mockery. She learned from marathon that life is not always perfect. The trail can be slippery, steep and hot. If she stopped because of unpleasant things, she would never reach the finish. She said: "Marathon taught me that you cannot always run in perfect conditions. Life is the same. Praise makes me happy, criticism helps me reflect, and insincere words I learn to ignore." Her calmness came not from insensitivity but from understanding. She understands that she cannot control what others say, but she can control how she reacts. That is why she did not sink into the spiral of rude comments. She used her achievement to affirm her value. That made Van Trang's story a lesson for many young athletes: speak up when needed, but let your achievements speak for themselves. The title at Y Ty Mua Vang 2026 was an important milestone, but for Van Trang it was just the beginning. After this victory, she is aiming for a bigger goal: conquering the brutal Ultra Trail distance at the VMM 70km race soon. She also dreams of running the 100km distance at the end of the year. For someone who just ran 42km of mountain trail a few weeks ago, these goals are not unrealistic. Van Trang said: "Let achievement speak. I do not need to become the version others want to see. It is enough to become a better version of myself every day." It can be said that her story is not just a medal. It is a story about how a woman faces prejudice, keeps her belief and keeps running on her own path. Looking back at the whole incident, it is clear that Van Trang is creating a new standard for women in trail running. She did not speak up for attention; she spoke up because she understands the true value of being respected in sport. She proves that a female athlete can be a mother, an excellent competitor and a confident woman who lives true to herself. Van Trang's second-place overall finish at Y Ty Mua Vang 2026 also carries another important meaning: women in trail running can compete fairly with men in terms of results. In a sport often considered dominated by male physicality, Van Trang proved that perseverance and smart tactics can make a huge difference. For those following Van Trang's journey, perhaps the most impressive thing is not her sportswear or her body curves. The most memorable image is a woman running forward, through sun, wind and high slopes, never stopping in front of any judgment. She runs on her own feet, and the sound of her footsteps is louder than all the gossip. The Y Ty Mua Vang 2026 race will enter the memory of fans not only because of an impressive record, but also because of a bold message. Van Trang, a mother of four and a grassroots athlete, stood up to defend her dignity and the dignity of all sportswomen. She shows that the trail is a place to conquer, not a place to judge. In the coming days, netizens may continue to argue, but Van Trang has chosen to close the conversation in her own way. She will train for VMM 70km, and then for the challenging 100km journey. Those trails are where she truly expresses herself. All comments, positive or negative, cannot change the only thing that matters to her: her performance and her journey to conquer her limits. After everything, Van Trang's story is a reminder that Vietnamese sport needs a healthier cheering culture. Fans have the right to love, admire and even criticize professional performance, but they have no right to insult the appearance of any athlete. A woman who runs 42km of mountain trail has spent a year training, sacrificing time with her family, facing injuries and fatigue. They deserve respect from the audience. A few days after the race, Van Trang continued her training sessions in Hanoi. She runs, goes to the gym, swims and does auxiliary exercises. Her life remains quiet and steady, just as it was before the online noise. She is not chasing fame; she is chasing her goals. Perhaps that is why she can overcome the storm and continue to conquer new heights. Van Trang's phrase "Run on your feet, not on the words of others" will surely be repeated many times in Vietnam's running community. It is both a personal affirmation and a call for everyone to focus on the true values of sport. For Van Trang, the woman who took her feet through 42km of mountain trail, the road ahead is still long. The 70km goal, then 100km, and perhaps even further, are waiting for her to conquer. But wherever she goes, she will maintain that spirit: keep moving, for herself, and let no words stop her.