At the 33rd SEA Games, athlete Sam Van Doi of Vietnam's athletics participated in the 1,500m race. He played resiliently, maintaining a stable speed but unexpectedly suffered an injury in the final stage.
Although each step was heavy, even requiring him to walk, Sam Van Doi did not give up. He practiced step by step on the running track until he passed the finish line, then collapsed due to pain and fatigue.
Although not having a medal, the Cao Bang athlete completed the 1,500m distance.
After the end of the competition, all camera lenses and cheers were directed towards the Thai athlete - the champion of this race. Not honored, not congratulated, but the Vietnamese runner still has the right to lift his head high because of the spirit of trying his best.
This is the first time Sam Van Doi has worn the national team jersey to attend a regional congress. Participating in the SEA Games is a worthy reward for his tireless efforts and burning desire.
The athlete's athletics career started in 2015 when participating in the Tra Linh District Student Sports Tournament, Cao Bang. That year, he won first prize in the 400m distance, representing the district in the provincial competition and won first prize in the 1,500m race.
Sam Van Doi was discovered and guided by coach Luc Van Liem of Cao Bang Sports Training Center. After that, the mountain boy decided to move south and join the army in Dong Nai.
At the 2025 National Athletics Championship in Da Nang, Sam Van Doi reaped sweet fruits, surpassing his teammate Luong Duc Phuoc to win the gold medal in the men's 800m. The above achievement helped him win a ticket to the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
