How will the story between you and dancing be told?
- I have been practicing badminton for over 20 years. When studying at kindergarten, teachers of the department come to my school to select students. The teacher asked, touching my hand and foot, and checking for sure if it was suitable. The teacher asked me if I liked dancing. My answer was no. When asked if I like running or sports, I answered yes. Since then, I have followed teachers to practice this subject.
Is there any difficulty in this sport for you? What is your advantage in this sport?
- Any sport of professional football has difficulties. With badminton, the difficulty is having to practice since I was a child, when I was only about 4-5 years old. We practice a lot because the sport requires both water and on-road. Athletes all have to practice a lot from a young age, in exchange for their entire childhood. Personally, I may follow the profession because I am passionate. The teachers initially recruited me because I met a number of criteria. After practicing, I gradually fell in love with my job and made efforts.
Exercising in water in a swimming pool can affect athletes' skin and hair. In particular, for female athletes, it is considered a trade-off. What do you think?
- Badminton is not the same as swimming. When swimming, athletes must stay in the water continuously. Bridge dancing is mainly performed in the air, only receiving water for the last few seconds, then swimming to shore and preparing to perform the next move. We always swim in tanks with chemicals. That chemical helps the lake become clean. This makes the skin more susceptible to sun damage and hair loss.
But I think every job has sacrifices, so that is just a small trade-off for me. If I am chosen again, I still want to become a badminton player and step onto the path of professional sports.
You often share photos showing your impressive fashion sense and taste on your personal page. It seems that Phuong Anh has shaped her own style early?
- I am an outsider, likes crowded activities. I also joined a dance group so I oriented my own dressing style. In my opinion, if each girl finds her own style, she will be more confident and shine.
People often say that children are a reflection of their parents. Is Phuong Anh affected by anyone in the family?
- No one in my family is involved in sports. I am the only daughter of my parents. I have been training away from home since I was 6-7 years old, so I am used to being away from home. Because I don't stay at home much, I am more influenced by teachers. In a training environment, I received very good education from teachers. To have me as I am today, it is thanks to everyone's teaching. I have become independent and mature during my training.
What is the role model for women that you are aiming for?
- I want to become a woman who is in charge of my life, financially independent, always strong and optimistic. Faced with all the difficulties, I told myself to always be positive to overcome them. I think I am doing well with those goals and becoming the role model I desire.
In addition to practicing and competing, you also have a passion for music, dance, and regularly perform and do business. Do you do these jobs out of passion or do you want to have more money to cover your living expenses?
- In addition to bridge dancing, I am also passionate about dancing (Kpop) and business. In my free time, I find a job to do, both to satisfy my passion and earn extra income to cover living expenses. I still prioritize training and focus completely on it. Dancing is a hobby, so I only do it in my free time.
As a female athlete, what is your pressure? Achievements, finances, beauty or are you looking for a partner?...
- I don't have much pressure. I find my life quite happy and fulfilling. I felt everything came to me. In training, I constantly try, if I don't have talent, I will need to be diligent, improve my qualifications by making efforts, keeping a positive spirit to overcome. I do not consider difficulties as pressure but as motivation to do better.
Athletes with a relatively short professional age are even affected by many surrounding factors such as injuries and performance. What did you prepare for that time?
- Now I focus on competing, so I don't think about the future. I am still a student studying, so I need to focus on practicing to complete the goals of my teachers. I am very proud to be an athlete. I am always confident when introducing that to everyone.
