Van Trang - mother of four wins Y Ty 42km: 'I run with my legs, not with people's mouths'

Y Ty, Lao Cai on an early autumn morning in 2026, when the sun had just risen behind the Hoang Lien Son range, a petite woman in an orange running outfit crossed the finish line in 4 hours 26 minutes 32 seconds. She is Van Trang, nickname Jang Doll, 35 years old, mother of four children, who just conquered the brutal 42km course of the Y Ty Golden Season 2026 to become the female champion and ranked second overall, only behind one male runner. But this victory was not only a feat of iron legs; it was a testament to a spirit that she had to defend against indecent comments about her appearance. Y Ty, a highland commune in Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province, is a meeting point for trail running enthusiasts. Located at over 2026 meters above sea level, the 42km course featured a total elevation gain of 1300 meters. Steep slopes, rocky paths and the thin highland air are a formidable challenge for any athlete. To complete this distance, one needs not only superior physical strength but also a deep understanding of one's own body. Van Trang comes from Hanoi, where she lives and trains as a busy mother. While society often questions the role of women after marriage, especially when they already have four children, Van Trang offers a completely different model: balancing family care while pursuing elite sports. Looking at how she overcame each kilometer, one can see years of hard training behind that achievement, with a scientific schedule: running, gym, swimming and supplementary exercises. Sharing about that process, Van Trang said: "This endurance comes from regularity and discipline. Besides running, I combine gym, swimming and supporting exercises to accumulate physical strength every day." During the race, Van Trang did not rush in the first kilometers. She maintained a steady pace, saving energy for the middle steep sections. This smart strategy helped her explode in the final stretch, overtaking many male opponents to finish second overall. 4 hours 26 minutes is not just a number; it is the result of calculation, perseverance and a deep understanding of herself. However, beside the victory, Van Trang had to face another equally challenging front: the battle against prejudice about appearance. As her finishing image spread widely, some running groups on social media started distributing impolite comments focusing on her natural bust under the tight sportswear. The vulgar phrase "carrying two grapefruits" was even used as a mockery. Instead of praising the effort of conquering a 42km distance – an impressive achievement for both male and female runners – many chose to dwell on her looks to belittle the value of a woman. This reflects a sad reality in society, where sportswomen always face disrespectful gazes and biased judgments. But Van Trang is not one to be easily defeated. With the determination she has built through tough seasons, she responded sharply: "I honestly challenge anyone to carry two grapefruits and run 42km or 55km on mountainous trails! I run with my legs, not with my appearance, so why bring me into groups to gossip? When others feel pressure, I see it as motivation to supply vitamin C for my spirit. The important thing is that I still finish, still happy and healthy. Let them judge; I run with my own legs, not with the mouths of others!" Her answer quickly spread and gained strong empathy and admiration from the running community. Nobody can deny that Van Trang had a special charisma in this year's race. Not only because of her impressive achievement, but also because of the way she stood up to defend herself and inspired many other women. Even male runners, those who had to watch her back pass at the final kilometers, expressed their respect for the young mother's will. Looking further, Van Trang's story is more than just a personal victory. It demonstrates the growth of women's sports in Vietnam. More and more women dare to step out of their comfort zone, dare to wear the most comfortable clothes to conquer high mountains, and dare to raise their voices against prejudice. Instead of feeling ashamed of their bodies, they learn to appreciate them as companions on their conquest journey. Van Trang believes: "Sports clothing must first be comfortable and safe. If I change myself only because I fear judgment, I will always have to live under other people's eyes. I choose to focus on the track and my own goals." This resolute message has forced many to reconsider how they treat female athletes – those who are sweating on the course, not performing for phone screens. Van Trang's achievement in Y Ty is also a great humanitarian message. She was born and raised like any other Vietnamese woman, but with a burning desire to stay fit, she has inspired a whole generation. The image of a mother of four still waking up early every day to run, go to the gym, swim – always is a statement that women can fully balance family and passion. Her principle is a simple yet profound sentence: "Let achievements speak. I don't need to be the version others want to see. It is enough to become a better version of myself every day." For Vietnamese people, running has become an unstoppable movement. Events like Y Ty Golden Season not only honor outstanding individuals like Van Trang but also provide a platform for the community to unite, encourage each other, and erase the barriers of geography, age, and gender. And when a woman can perform better than men, when a mother of four can stand on the podium, those barriers become even more outdated. This pushes race organizers to create better conditions for female athletes, from preferential policies to raising awareness about body image and sportswear. As the social media wave subsides, Van Trang continues her conquest journey. In the same year 2026, she has set a goal to take part in the VMM 70km Ultra Trail and, in the future, the dream distance of 100km. For someone who just finished the 42km exceptionally well, 70km or 100km is not impossible. Careful preparation, mental stability and family support are the springboards for the next challenges. No matter what malicious words she might face, Van Trang will keep her champion posture: eyes fixed far ahead, legs never stopping, and a heart full of faith in true values. Her story is a reminder that in sports, the most important values are the human being, the will, and self-transcendence. And when a girl crosses the finish line, she runs not only with her legs, but also with her soul.