Huynh Tien turned to running to improve her figure after transitioning from male to female and realized that this sport also helped her live a more positive life every day.
Runners in Hanoi are no strangers to Nguyen Dang Huynh Tien (21 years old, real name Nguyen Thanh Long). From 4:30 every Saturday morning at Hoan Kiem Lake, there is always a tall and thin girl over 1m7, diligently running in the fastest group. Vitality seems to be full in the footsteps of this special runner.
The girl from Soc Son, Hanoi believes that running is also a way to express the spirit of sportsmanship, dynamism, and spread the values that transgender people can create. Tien does not dress flashily, usually in black, and moderates her words and actions with the thought of "gaining respect and a normal look from everyone".
"Running helps me forget the pressures and make new friends. I also realize that there are many open-minded people around me who always care and support my journey," Huynh Tien said.
Huynh Tien in a marathon in 2023. Photo: NVCC
Nguyen Dang Huynh Tien is a transgender person from male to female. She became aware of her gender in 2019 when she felt "moved" by a male classmate. After a long time of self-examination, Tien realized that she was not gay but longed to become a girl. Because of that, Tien's personality is gentle and her soul is free. At the peak, Tien was blocked by her classmates and beaten with a pith helmet. The days at school were haunting days filled with harsh words. Many times Tien had to drop out of school because of fear. Fortunately, she had her parents by her side, sympathizing and supporting her.
In 2020, Tien was admitted to Ho Chi Minh City College of Arts. At that time, she had long hair and dressed like a woman but had not yet undergone gender reassignment surgery. Realizing that she needed surgery to live as herself, Tien temporarily stopped studying and worked part-time to save money to go to Thailand. After more than two years of saving, with the support of her family, in mid-2022, Tien went abroad alone, fulfilling her long-standing wish. In 28 days, the girl who had just turned 20 underwent three major surgeries: laryngectomy, breast reconstruction, genital surgery, followed by a long process of taking medicine and taking care of the new organs. Tien lost 6kg, was in poor health, and only ate porridge every day.
"I cried a lot because I was so happy when I saw my new body as I dreamed. When I returned home, my father bought me a dress and told me to live confidently, from now on I don't have to wear dresses secretly anymore," Tien said about her family's support. Her parents and relatives are always by her side to take care of her and encourage her, which makes her feel more confident and stronger.
Huynh Tien when he was still alive under the name Nguyen Thanh Long. Photo: NVCC
Over the past year, Tien has had to get used to having female parts after 20 years of living with a male body. The only thing left is her bow legs. So Huynh Tien took up running a few months after surgery to improve her gait, slim her legs and improve her health. That was when she realized that running had a strong attraction. The new sport quickly became a part of the 21-year-old girl's life. Every time she runs, she spends 15 minutes wrapping her chest to ensure safety.
Tien joined the Cisan Runner Club and is one of the members with the most rigorous training plan. From the first difficult runs, Tien's body has now responded positively so her training volume has gradually increased. After working as a barista at a beverage shop, she immediately puts on her shoes and runs to West Lake. Tien said she runs 10-13km every day, and on weekends, she runs 24 or 32km around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Tien Huynh runs after work. Photo: NVCC
Love and rapid progress helped Tien reach her first milestone, a time of 1 hour 29 minutes in a 21km race. The result helped her come third at a marathon in Hanoi. She said she tried her best to reach the finish line the fastest, proudly holding up the Cisan Runner Club flag. The moment she stood on the podium with other famous athletes almost made Tien cry.
However, the joy was short-lived, as the organizers announced shortly after that Tien's results were not recognized. The reason was that she registered as a female runner but her ID card was male, under the name Nguyen Thanh Long. Tien hid in a corner, burst into tears, but had no choice but to accept it because the organizers followed the rules. The third place prize was eventually raised.
A few days later, the runner born in 2002 was still sad. "I went back to training for the 10km run at the beginning of the week and sometimes I cried," Tien said. Because she is transgender, she has difficulty verifying her identity in marathons.
Tien (in black) is always present on Hoan Kiem Lake every Saturday morning, from 4:30. Photo : NVCC
Family, friends, especially her club brothers, have always been there to support her during difficult times. Tien said she still loves marathons, continues to aim for other races, and hopes that the organizers will pay attention to the LGBT community. Currently, many tournaments around the world are gradually becoming more open, using hormone concentration measurements to classify athletes.
"In the short term, it will be difficult to change the regulations and it will be difficult to compete, but I will continue to run for myself and cheer for those who are like me," Tien affirmed and is working hard to train to conquer the 42km distance in races including VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight at the end of this year.
"I will not seek awards because recognition does not only come from medals. I will try my best to show everyone that even though I am a transgender person, I am still active, positive and valuable," said the runner born in 2002. Tien said she will still run as a woman but will proactively not compete for rankings so as not to fall into the same ironic situation as before and not affect the efforts of other athletes.
Hoai Phuong
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