The university valedictorian's love of running
In the MetaSports Marathon system, Le Thi Thanh Quynh, born in 1997, has almost never missed any prizes in the past 2 years, always appearing in the Top 100 best rankings. The girl has a tall, slim figure, a bright face, and dresses with the same speed as "tearing the wind". Quynh specializes in running 21km, with the best record (PB) 1 hour 32 minutes. Running at an average pace of 4:30, Quynh did not show fatigue, but on the contrary enjoyed it, always smiling. She believes that running is the biggest journey of experience and passion over the past 10 years.
Thanh Quynh's love for running started in elementary school. In 5th grade, she was selected for the sports team, running the 100 meters and throwing the ball. She said that from a young age, her figure was superior to her friends, her long strides were often noticed by teachers. In the 8th grade, the young girl participated in the provincial athletics tournament, the 2,000 m cross-country event and was in the top 5. Teachers of the Quang Ninh Provincial Sports and Gifted School discovered her talent and called Quynh to the school to practice.
The family is purely agricultural, no one has a career in sports, so the concept of "training on the team" with the girl just in grade 8 is completely foreign. Quynh left the family, went to live, study and practice at school. She admitted that when she left because she was interested, she did not think about not being with her parents. Later, the more I practice, the more I love athletics, to the point that I can't stop it. Female runners practice whenever possible because running is comfortable. The family is supportive but sad to see her daughter constantly running, thin, with tiny limbs.
Leaving the family early, Thanh Quynh has a strong, independent personality. However, it is still impossible to avoid times of self-pity and uncertainty due to being too young. At such times, the grandfather always encouraged his granddaughter. He was one of the first teachers to teach literacy to a generation of students on Co To island when the country mobilized to build a sea and island economy. She said he loves sports and is proud to see her follow the career. "He always reminds me that sports are very hard, but it is an environment to practice bravery and discipline. He advised me to overcome to grow up and come out more firmly," Thanh Quynh shared. .
His words of encouragement are a great motivation for young Quynh to make efforts. Studying at a school for the gifted for a year, she transferred to the Sports Training Center. At this time, the runner born in 1997 won many medals in cross country events, mainly in short distances. She entered the Hanoi University of Sports and Education, majoring in athletics. While studying culture and practicing, Quynh participated in competitions and won high prizes in many different events such as gold gold in 800m, bronze in long jump, bronze in weightlifting at the 2017 Hanoi Student Championships. 3 gold medals at the Hanoi Sports Congress in the 400m, 800m and 1500m events.
In 2019, Thanh Quynh graduated valedictorian from Hanoi University of Sports and Education with excellent academic performance. She chose a new challenge on her development journey by breaking up her forte short distances to switch to long distances. Starting from distances 10, 15, later increased to 21km. "I think life is always full of new things. At that time, I wanted to get out of my comfort zone to discover more of my limits," she shared.
In the first few days of running, the former team athlete was tired but excited when in turn, new milestones and new PRs were established. Quynh focuses more on nutrition. The body is no longer sick but becomes balanced and neat. The running leg, nicknamed Quynh, is considered by everyone to be one of the outstanding pink balls in tournaments. In just a short time, the runner from Co To village achieved what he wanted - conquering the half marathon distance with a record of 1 hour 45.
Marathon took Quynh to many places, opening new horizons. She said she liked the feeling of being in the flow of people, high fives, chatting and hearing words of encouragement from other runners. For her, a marathon is not a competition or competition but an emotional journey, connecting and overcoming oneself. Therefore, the valedictorian's love for running keeps growing.
In 2022, Thanh Quynh attended the MetaSports Marathon Hue for the first time, setting up a PR 1 hour 32 minutes. She said Hue is a romantic, contemplative city, suitable for unique experiences. The green, flat running track and the cool weather are also a mark to help score points. MetaSports Marathon Hue on April 16, Quynh sets a goal of HM sub1:30. The original Quang Ninh runner also cherishes the intention of conquering 42km for the first time this year. "This is a big plan, the next milestone I aspire to conquer. I believe that if I work hard, I can run farther and longer," affirmed the female runner.
Currently, Quynh is a co-founder of a sports fashion company. She always wears the brand's clothes when competing, impressing with her youthfulness and dynamism. Thanh Quynh believes that running changes life. Without this sport, the runner thinks he is married, has children and has a quiet life. "Running helps me stay positive, love myself and always keep the energy in life," the 26-year-old girl affirmed.
