Mother of four wins Y Ty Mua Vang 42km and delivers a fierce rebuke to body shamers

When the finish-line whistle sounded at Y Ty gate, Van Trang – a mother of four born in 2026 – almost couldn't believe what she had just accomplished. She not only won the women's crown in the 42km race but also finished second overall, overtaking nearly all male runners, losing only to one competitor. Her finishing time was 4 hours 26 minutes – a dream number for many seasoned trail runners. The Y Ty Mua Vang 2026 course, held on September 6 in Y Ty commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province, is one of the toughest challenges in Vietnamese trail running. The 42km distance is not just a number; total elevation gain exceeds 1,300m, with relentless climbs amid the scenic terraced fields and mountains of the northwest. Lao Than Peak, at 2,860m above sea level, is not only a place to touch the clouds but also a place where many exhaust their limits. Immediately after the award ceremony, Van Trang, nicknamed Jang Doll, shared with reporters: "The 42km distance has slopes that nearly drain your energy. At those moments, I only focused on the section right ahead, kept my breathing, paced myself, and fueled on time. I kept telling myself: 'Stay calm, as long as you have strength, there is still a chance.' This endurance comes from regularity and discipline. Besides running, I combine gym, swimming, and supplementary exercises to build my fitness every day." Her words reveal a remarkably calm tactical mindset – something not everyone can maintain when facing punishing hills. However, Van Trang's professional victory was quickly overshadowed by a completely different issue. Shortly after photos of her finishing were posted in running groups, some netizens began commenting on her chest area under her tight sports outfit. They used disrespectful and even mocking remarks, saying she was "carrying two grapefruits while running." Sadly, instead of honoring her admirable athletic feat, many chose to belittle a female athlete's body. Refusing to accept such insults, Van Trang responded directly, fiercely and with personality: "To be honest, I dare anyone to carry two grapefruits and run 42km or even 55km on mountain terrain! I run with my legs, not with my looks, so why do you bring me into groups to talk behind my back? Others see pressure; I see motivation – 'vitamin C' for my spirit. What matters is that I still crossed the finish line, happy and healthy. Judge all you want – I run with my legs, not with other people's mouths." Her answer immediately stirred public opinion. Many expressed admiration for her confidence and strong stance, especially for a woman who has endured hardships to achieve such results. Van Trang added: "In women's sports, what deserves recognition first is effort and performance. Looks are a personal matter; achievements are the result of years of training. When you see a girl on the running track, I hope you see someone trying her best to conquer her own limits." When asked if she ever considered dressing more conservatively to avoid prying eyes, she shook her head: "Sportswear must first be comfortable and safe. If I change myself just to avoid gossip, I would end up living according to others' expectations. I choose to focus on the road and my goals. Marathon teaches me that you don't always run in perfect conditions. Life is the same. Compliments make me happy, criticism helps me reflect, and unkind words – I learn to let them go." Behind her viral response, Van Trang's story is a real lesson about women fighting to be recognized for their ability, not their appearance. In sports and society at large, countless women face prejudice and scrutiny despite their clear achievements. Van Trang not only proved herself in a grueling race but also inspired thousands of Vietnamese women: Be confident in pursuing your passion, and don't let ill-intentioned words stop your steps. After the glory on Lao Than, Van Trang has set even bigger goals. She said: "Let results speak. I don't need to become a version others want to see. Just be a better version of yourself every day." Her next target is the demanding Ultra Trail category at the upcoming VMM 70km, and later the 100km distance by year-end. For a woman who has proven her grit on Vietnam's toughest trails, nothing seems impossible if she keeps that steel-hearted spirit. Van Trang's story will continue to be a topic of discussion for a long time, not only for her achievements but also for how she used her own actions to refute shallow judgments. In a society still marked by gender stereotypes, a mother of four daring to stand up, run with all her might, and affirm her own worth is an encouraging signal. Hopefully, more and more people will view female athletes with respect and fairness, allowing them to live true to their passion, not under the watchful eyes of others.