Having experienced many ups and downs in her sports career, rower Pham Thi Hue learned to find joy in simple things and ordinary moments in life.
Compared to women in other professions, female athletes often have to suffer more disadvantages, accepting to trade off their own happiness, family... to aim for common achievements in sports competitions.
However, for Ms. Pham Thi Hue - the "golden racer" of Vietnamese Rowing - sports also bring special joys while honoring the values of Vietnamese women, those who accept sacrifices to pursue their ambitions.
On the occasion of Vietnamese Women's Day October 20, VietnamPlus e-newspaper reporter interviewed athlete Pham Thi Hue about the ups and downs in the competitive career of the "rower" from Quang Binh .
After twice giving up the honor to her teammates despite reaching the Olympic standards (in 2016 and 2020, respectively), Pham Thi Hue finally had her first chance to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games last July. So how did she feel about her first experience at the biggest sports arena on the planet?
- The feeling of winning the "golden ticket" to the Olympics after many missed appointments is really happy. The road to the Olympics for me personally is a long journey, and the ticket to Paris 2024 is like a dream come true, a worthy reward for my efforts and determination over a long period of time before.
Although I have participated in many big tournaments such as ASIAD and SEA Games, it was not until I participated in the Olympic arena that I fully felt the difference in scale and greatness of the Olympics: from the quality of the host country's facilities to the level of the participating athletes. The Olympics is worthy of being the arena that I, as well as all other athletes, aspire to compete in.
You have won many medals in major tournaments such as ASIAD and SEA Games. So, which tournament has left you the most memorable?
- The major tournaments that I have participated in have all left me with valuable lessons and memories, because each tournament has its own characteristics and peculiarities. For me, what I cherish most in my competitive career are the moments of fighting side by side with my teammates, sharing the bitter and sweet moments on the "green race track."
What brought you to Rowing - a sport with strict physical requirements?
- During my time in high school, I often participated in the Phu Dong Sports Festival at all levels at school. This was also a playground that opened up opportunities for me to be introduced, selected for the rowing team, practice and compete in Rowing.
Indeed, Rowing is a sport that requires a lot of physical strength, requiring athletes to have endurance and the ability to "withstand the sun and wind." However, I myself come from a farming family and have often helped my parents with farm work since I was a child, so I do not feel it is difficult to participate in training and competing in this sport - which also provides a better living and training environment.
How did your family and relatives react to your decision to pursue a sports career?
- I always feel lucky to have a family as a strong "rear" in my career. When I started pursuing this sport, my parents and siblings always cheered and encouraged me to practice and contribute with peace of mind. When I started a small family, I also received support from my husband's parents. My grandparents always closely watched and supported their "daughter-in-law" during military meetings and competitions away from home.
In particular, I also have a solid "support" which is a "beyond wonderful" husband (laughs). He is always my companion in every moment, going through difficult times with me, sharing the ups and downs in competition.
It seems like your Rowing competition has not received as much attention as other sports?
Actually, this is understandable because in Vietnam, Rowing is a sport that was introduced relatively late compared to other sports (it was not until 2003 that Vietnamese Rowing first appeared in an international tournament, the 22nd SEA Games).
When I started my career, Vietnam was a "white area" for Rowing, very few people knew about this sport so the athletes also received less attention, this made me feel a bit "sad."
However, over time, myself and the athletes representing Rowing Vietnam have tried step by step to spread the image of this sport more widely in the community, through tournaments from local to continental level.
Up to now, Vietnamese Rowing has also achieved remarkable results in major tournaments such as ASIAD and SEA Games. That is the basis for me to hope that the next generation of athletes will receive more attention from the community.
There is an opinion that when pursuing professional sports, women have to endure more difficulties, hardships, disadvantages, and require more sacrifices than men. From your own experiences, how do you evaluate this point of view?
- For me, whether it is a disadvantage or not depends on each person's perspective. If I determine that the chosen path is my passion, I can contribute and enjoy every moment with my decision, then whether I am male or female, I will not feel disadvantaged. The playgrounds that open up opportunities for both men and women to express themselves also prove that women can also do and do well the jobs that were "defaulted" for men.
What advice do you have for young athletes, especially female athletes, who want to pursue their professional sports dreams?
- Practice and work hard, sooner or later the "sweet fruit" will surely come!
Besides training and competing, what do you usually do in your free time?
- Actually, sports always take up most of my time, so I don't have many special activities in my free time. When I'm tired from training, I just want to go home to rest, cook with my husband, and when I have a "long day" I take the kids out...
My two children are very proud of their parents' achievements in sports. However, having witnessed their parents' hard training since they were young, they do not want to "follow in their footsteps" in sports (laughs).
Like many women, I am a "shopping addict": when I'm tired I shop, when I'm healthy I shop, when I'm happy I shop, as long as my financial ability allows, I will "go shopping" (laughs out loud).
Having competed in many international tournaments, which country left the biggest impression on you?
- For me, there is no place like home, Vietnam. I am always filled with strong emotions and have deep impressions of the culture and traditions that are imbued with the Vietnamese national identity.
Can you share about your idol role model in sports?
- I personally do not have the concept of idols, because for me, each role model, each example has its own strengths and brings its own lessons. I can learn from the strengths in each situation, each time to strive, but as for specific role models, I do not pay attention to any character.
A favorite quote of yours?
- Blood may be lacking, but "fire and blood" is not - Health may be poor, but "fighting power" must be high!
What is your favorite color?
- Red.
If you didn't pursue professional sports, what would be your dream job?
- Ever since I was a child, I have dreamed of becoming a professional athlete, so I have never thought of other "turns". Before, there was a time when I tried to do business "for fun", but then I felt it was not my fate and not suitable, so I stopped. I usually spend my free time resting, recovering, "recharging" my energy, ensuring that training and competition are given top priority.
Thank you Ms. Pham Thi Hue for your interesting sharing! Wishing you a joyful and happy 20/10 celebration with your family and loved ones! Wishing you will always maintain positive energy to inspire the younger generation of athletes!
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