Disabled people swim through adversity, lighting up faith

(NLDO) - The 2025 National Swimming Championship for the Disabled is not only a place for competition, but also a touching story about extraordinary determination.

The arduous journey to the Paralympic Swimming Championships

Each athlete participating in the 2025 National Para Swimming Championship has a story. For athlete Tran Van Mom, the first days in the pool were a series of harsh challenges. "Sometimes after training, I was so tired that I couldn't even hold a bowl of rice" - he recalled.

Many times he wanted to give up, but thanks to the encouragement of his coach, he persevered in swimming for more than 10 years. Making a living was not easy when he and his wife earned a living by selling lottery tickets. However, with his will and love for his children, he still tried to become a spiritual support for his family and a role model for his two young children.

Athlete Tran Van Mom starts

Many other athletes also experienced muscle pain, cramps or injuries, but never allowed themselves to give up. Nguyen Ngoc Thiet, one of the typical faces, affirmed: "Once you decide to compete, there is no concept of giving up.

He may swim slower, but he “must reach the finish line”. Not only is he an experienced athlete, he is also an inspirational teacher for many generations, including children with disabilities. With more than 50 national gold medals and many medals at the ASEAN Para Games, he is a testament to the enduring power of will and passion.

"Bright eyes" from the determination of the disabled

On the green track, the story of Nguyen Thi Hao – a blind athlete – moved many people. She had hit her head against the wall many times, losing her front teeth because she could not estimate the distance. "The first time I went into the lake, I was scared because I only saw vast water, not knowing where to go" - she said. Step by step, she practiced slowly but surely, gradually overcoming her fear, asserting herself with perseverance and courage.

Female disabled athlete received support from volunteers when completing the competition.

As for Pham Tuan Hung, the young man who lost his legs, his journey to swimming began with a surprise introduction from the MC of a football tournament. After only 21 days of training, he won his first national bronze medal. Recently, he continued to win a silver medal at the 2025 National Championship. In addition to training diligently, he also maintains an online business to take care of his life, while aiming for a big goal at the 13th ASEAN Para Games.

Disabled people overcome themselves

Throughout the tournament, the image of the athletes persistently reaching the finish line – however slowly, however exhausted – made the audience choke with cheers. For them, victory is not only about the medals, but also about the satisfaction of having surpassed themselves.

Backstroke competition of disabled athletes. Photo: NGOC TUAN

The tournament also featured many athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds, but they all shared the same spirit: disability does not mean limitation. Their success not only honored Vietnamese sports , but also sent a strong message to the community: as long as one does not give up, everyone can create value for society.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nguoi-khuet-tat-boi-qua-ngich-canh-thap-sang-niem-tin-196250914100821746.htm