She used to pursue a degree in Law, but luck brought her to volleyball. Can you share about this story?
- I am a good student and has registered to go to law school but failed college. Volleyball came to me randomly when I had outstanding height. In 1986, when he failed to go to college, my brother introduced me to join the Viet Tri Vinh Phu Port Port. I didn't know anything about volleyball, but the coach said I was suitable for this subject. I thought I would practice only one year and then went back to the exam, but I have been with volleyball so far.
She competed from the age of 18 to the age of 41. Is passion the only factor that helps you maintain your long-term career?
- That is a time of change for women. I realized that volleyball was suitable for me and decided to choose it. This sport has given me a lot, from recognition to the opportunity to travel many places. When I started, I didn't know what the future would be like, but volleyball gave me joy, pride and meaning in life.
Can you share more about your love for volleyball?
- Volleyball is my whole life, my breath, all I need to live. I not only love volleyball but I am also grateful for it. I have truly played and lived volleyball as a belief. Only then, at the age of 41, can I maintain 6 hours of high-intensity training per day before retiring.
Currently, Vietnamese women's volleyball has developed and received great attention. Do you regret not competing at this time?
- No. I feel lucky to have been born and competed in the previous period. I will not be able to have the position of top athletes in Vietnam such as Kim Hue, Ngoc Hoa, Pham Thi Yen in the past or Thanh Thuy, Bich Tuyen in the present. You are stars, at a much higher level than us. With my current life, if I were still an athlete, it would be difficult to adapt, let alone have a special position and be remembered.
I think, just do everything with all your heart, enough to think and choose, there will be no regrets but only pride. I have my own pride in volleyball. That is enough to admire the athletes now and make me proud of my profession, being a colleague with them.
She once shared that she is confident and eager to win. At the age of U60, do you still keep this?
- Yes. It's just that I have to find the right place, right time and right person to express myself. Everyone has the will to win, even a lot. I will keep that but try to perform in the right place, to make myself happy. At this age, I still love myself and take care of every time I appear. When I look in the mirror and like myself, I find life wonderful. At that time, I will become more easily personable and cheerful.
How has her husband accompanied her?
- I met my husband in 1988, when I was 19 years old. At that time, I had only played volleyball for a year. Until now, I think this love affair is fate. Together we overcome difficulties in life. We were both athletes when he was an athlete, so we understand each other in their daily activities, life and work. When we were competing, there were times when we went to compete for 8 months. The remaining 4 months will also focus on training.
My husband is not too romantic to often send sweet love words, but he always remembers every working session, competition schedule, and work to remind me.
Female athletes often have difficulty balancing work and family. Your partner needs to understand, sympathize and accept their shortcomings to build a family together.
Currently, when both husband and wife have retired, we often recall memories and respect each other. At the age of U60, I still love myself, take care of my family and believe that being confident, calm, and cheerful will bring happiness in life.
Thank you!
