Vietnamese woman overcomes all hurdles at “world’s toughest” triathlon

Vu Phuong Thanh is called superwoman after winning the Swiss Ultra Deca Continuous Triathlon World Championship. (Photo courtesy of Thanh)

Hanoi (VNA) - After becoming the first Vietnamese in history to not only complete but also win the Swiss Ultra Deca Continuous Triathlon World Championship (swimming 38km, cycling 1,800km and running 422km), it is no wonder runner Vu Phuong Thanh (Thanh Vu) is known as 'superwoman'.

What made you sign up for SwissUltra - one of the world's toughest ultra-triathlon competitions? Why did you want to complete such an arduous task, and what motivated you during the most difficult moments?

Vu Phuong Thanh: This event was a challenge for me in particular and the participants in general. It gave me a lot of experience and I learned many valuable lessons that when I share them with the community, it will help them have faith in themselves.

Tough challenges in competitions like this triathlon event make me very happy. I am also very proud of my achievement. I tried my best and I won.

The event gave me many lessons including how to overcome psychological barriers and things that seem impossible.

The tournament was like a miniature life, there were times when I felt very confident, excited and even I felt like I could conquer the world. But there were times when I felt exhausted.

There were many factors that affected my psyche such as bad weather or other factors. I began to doubt myself, for example, how I could continue or who I was, or why I did dare to compete in this event.

Sometimes I looked at the people around me and started to feel self-conscious about myself and thought why they competed so well, I didn’t deserve to be here.

Participants at the SwissUltra (Photo courtesy of Thanh)

What were the most unforgettable moments for you in the race?

Vu Phuong Thanh: My swimming competition was relatively good. It was difficult but I could handle. Cycling was really hard because that is not my forte. At the SwissUltra 2022, the cycling route was too difficult, narrow and dangerous as many sections on both sides are cliffs. The weather was also harsh. When it rains, it is cold like ice water splashed on the body. When it is hot, it wants to burn the skin. I tried to finish it to move on to my favourite part, the run.

On the last day of the cycling competition, I had to complete 342km. That day I also had to ride at night to complete it, but at night, I often fell asleep. Fortunately, the organising board allowed one volunteer to ride with me. It was also the first time in many competition days that I had a chance to talk to reduce my stress. I was very glad. In swimming, I had been swimming all day in the water, not talking to anyone.

After finishing the cycling section, I felt extremely happy. I will always remember that moment, almost as if I could carry the whole world. I feel very lucky to have an opportunity to compete in this competition and meet people who support me.

You were the first Southeast Asian woman to complete the 4 Desserts Grand Slam, and now the first Vietnamese to win Ultra Deca Continuous Triathlon World Championship. What do you plan to do next to surpass your own achievements?

Vu Phuong Thanh: The events that I have just participated in are the foundation for my coming tournaments. I have a list of things that I want to do, it is very long but I will do it slowly. There will be skills that take years to build.

I don't participate in many triathlon competitions, but I have cherished it for a long time. The world event helps me to have new skills and reach new horizons, so I think in the future I will still try to make more of a mark for Việt Nam in the world./.