Nguyen Thi Oanh and her inspirational running steps

Nguyen Thi Oanh, the "golden girl" of track and field, was born in the year of the Pig, and because of that, her fans affectionately call her Oanh "Pig". In an interview with Nhan Dan Newspaper, Oanh shared her journey of overcoming difficulties, from her modest height to glomerulonephritis, to live with her passion and bring glory to Vietnamese sports .

Reporter: Born into a farming family, what made Oanh choose to become an athlete?

Nguyen Thi Oanh: Being involved in athletics is Oanh's destiny. Since the summer days of 4th grade, Oanh has taken her first running steps. Although she could not yet form or understand the competition content, Oanh still decided to follow her seniors in the running group of the commune club. Running with everyone is very fun even though it is only during a summer vacation.

Four years passed until grade 8, Oanh started participating in school, district, and provincial running competitions under the guidance of her cousin. As a school girl, Oanh felt very happy when she met many people and competed in sports competitions. It was an extremely dynamic environment.

Athletics came to Oanh first of all as a passion. Later, when she had the opportunity to get involved and practice, she understood and loved this sport even more.

Nguyen Thi Oanh: At the end of grade 9 and the beginning of grade 10, Oanh had a selection session to be admitted to the athletics team of Bac Giang Sports Talent School (now Bac Giang Province Sports Training and Competition Center), but at this time, Oanh's physique was still limited because of her short height.

What Oanh received were head shakes. The selection committee thought that with such a small body, she was not suitable for athletics to develop. However, Oanh was reassured by the coaches, and reminded herself to try her best. Finally, Oanh was lucky to be selected.

The "little pepper girl" of the past has now become a champion. (Photo: DN)

Reporter: At the end of 2014 to mid-2015, Oanh had to stop competing. So for an athlete, is it difficult to return to the track?

Nguyen Thi Oanh: This is a question that Oanh receives a lot. So much so that Oanh can calm down when recalling that period. At the end of 2014, after Oanh returned from the National Sports Festival in Nam Dinh , she discovered that she had abnormalities, went to the doctor and found out that she had glomerulonephritis. After about a year of treatment, Oanh was allowed by the doctor to return to training. At first, Oanh was very happy, but did not expect that when she returned, everything would be so "terrible" .

During the treatment, Oanh used drugs and accidentally caused muscle atrophy, affecting bones and joints, along with a strict diet that led to poor health, lack of nutrients, and muscles that were no longer as flexible as before. Oanh almost returned to a weak state .

Oanh really cannot forget the feeling of being extremely tired after just running 1-2 laps around the field, with her whole body aching. At that time, Oanh wondered if she could go back and continue running, or if she would have to give up on the unfinished goals before she got sick.

Nguyen Thi Oanh and mother.

However, Oanh herself was very lucky and realized that she was not alone. In the most difficult times, Oanh received the love and care of teachers, family and friends. Everyone was always there to encourage and give Oanh strength.

If she had struggled alone at that time, Oanh would probably have had a hard time coming back. Everyone has helped Oanh become who she is today. Therefore, the achievements and results she has achieved, along with the determination to continue the journey ahead, are all great contributions that everyone has brought to Oanh. Oanh will always remember, be grateful for and cherish those things.

Reporter: Since 2017, Nguyen Thi Oanh has been a well-known name for winning many awards. So after becoming famous, how has Oanh's life changed?

Nguyen Thi Oanh: Oanh always reminds herself to focus on her expertise - that is the number 1 priority . And after each tournament with achievements, receiving congratulations and attention from fans, Oanh is very happy and joyful. Oanh always takes that as motivation to move forward, conquering the roads ahead.

Oanh believes that everyone should do their job well, aiming for their own goals and plans with the support of relatives and friends. Oanh personally will always try her best not to disappoint everyone's expectations. With each achievement, Oanh wants to contribute to Bac Giang province's sports in particular and Vietnamese sports in general.

Reporter: Athletics has given Oanh a lot, so has it taken anything away?

Nguyen Thi Oanh: Oanh doesn't think too much about problems to try to think positively. Oanh simply feels happy when running . Of course, there will be difficult times, moments of weakness and discouragement, but when she overcomes them, Oanh becomes a more courageous person, ready to face adversity.

Sports bring Oanh many values to fill the “gap” that people often think Oanh has to suffer. Oanh feels the values of the training and competition process, they help Oanh a lot in her life.

Reporter: Has Oanh ever wanted to end her athletics career?

Nguyen Thi Oanh: There were also times when Oanh was discouraged with the thought of retiring . For example, when she was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis, Oanh thought that she would no longer have the opportunity to live her dreams. Oanh also thought that she was weak and could not overcome this obstacle. But everyone can see that Oanh continued when she received the companionship and help of teachers, friends and family. From there, she had more confidence to move forward.

The more difficulties Oanh has, the more she realizes the value that athletics brings . Through the process of training and competing, Oanh develops and perfects herself not only professionally, but also in daily life - things that Oanh probably would never have received if she had not been involved in athletics.

Many certificates and medals are "displayed" on the wall corner of Nguyen Thi Oanh's family. (Photo: Nguyen Phuong)

Reporter: What does athletics mean to Oanh?

Nguyen Thi Oanh: It is really difficult to express all of Oanh's feelings for athletics. If I just say I love it, it is not enough, it is also a chance that Oanh thinks is indispensable in her life. There are times when Oanh cannot run, such as during breaks or simply after each tournament, Oanh always feels like she misses the track, lacking the flavor of life.

Oanh may not be able to do a full and systematic workout, but she still needs to run. Oanh hopes that she will have good health to live her passion, which is to run every day .

Currently, Oanh's main job is still being an athlete. This is the mission for Oanh to focus on training, competing and achieving results, but besides that, running also helps Oanh have a more confident and dynamic body. All of that is very valuable and useful in life.

On May 23, 2023, the President awarded the Second Class Labor Medal to Nguyen Thi Oanh - an athlete who won 12 Gold Medals in individual events at 4 consecutive SEA Games. (Photo: Van Hai)

Reporter: You are used to wearing sneakers, so how do you feel when wearing high heels?

Nguyen Thi Oanh: Besides training as a female athlete, Oanh is like other girls, loves to beautify herself and has her own hobbies. On the track, Oanh is fierce and tough. But when wearing high heels or more elegant outfits, Oanh is often teased that she doesn't look like an athlete (laughs).

Oanh also did not know if it was real or people were teasing her when they saw her unusual image compared to her usual one. But Oanh was also very happy about that, because Oanh is also a girl who has the need to beautify herself. Besides running, Oanh also has other hobbies and diverse outfits.

Reporter: After the achievements at the recent SEA Games with her colleagues, what is Oanh's confidence in Vietnamese women's athletics?

Nguyen Thi Oanh: For each athlete, whether male or female, they all have determination and effort with their current work and tasks. But speaking of female athletes, they are truly brave when living with passion and enthusiasm . There are women who have families but still pursue sports, which Oanh admires very much.

Oanh herself thinks that women are affected by many factors from their relatives, especially after getting married, but Oanh sees that everyone still maintains professionalism and focus . These things have helped them achieve certain professional results. Oanh hopes that female athletes will receive more attention , to be more confident and have the most comfortable spirit, thereby being able to wholeheartedly contribute to Vietnamese sports.