Road to Olympia 2025 Runner-up Doan Thanh Tung:: Imprints on the journey of knowledge

Although he only finished as runner-up in the Road to Olympia 2025 competition, Doan Thanh Tung - a 12th grade Biology student at Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted (South Nha Trang) still left a deep impression in the hearts of the audience with a journey full of courage, passion and many emotions. Talking to reporters of Khanh Hoa Newspaper and Radio and Television on the occasion of returning to school after the competition, Thanh Tung shared about his memorable experiences, maturity and plans on the road ahead.

Báo Khánh Hòa•28/10/2025

I am Doan Thanh Tung.

- Congratulations Thanh Tung for winning the runner-up position at the final round of Road to Olympia 2025! How do you feel when you were just a little bit lucky away from reaching the laurel wreath?

- I have a little regret that I have not brought the first Olympia laurel wreath to Khanh Hoa province. But looking back at the whole process, I played my best and feel very satisfied. Everyone has also seen my ability, that makes me very happy and proud.

- Looking back on your journey participating in Road to Olympia, what do you remember most?

- For me, it was an emotional journey. I was happy to be myself, to live with my passion since childhood, to experience many new things, to see myself better, to meet people who guided and accompanied me. I was also happy because Khanh Hoa was so beautiful with the love and sincere encouragement from teachers, friends and everyone. That was the motivation for me to play my best in the final. I was happy because I went all the way to the last minute of the journey.

- After the contest, your images and stories were widely spread, not only promoting Khanh Hoa province but also becoming a source of inspiration for many young people. How do you feel about this?

- I was really surprised and touched when my images and stories were spread and left an impression on people's hearts. Many people recognized me, gave me trust and support. Besides, the reportage clips about me at the contest contributed to promoting the image of my hometown Khanh Hoa, and somewhere showed the unique identity, gentleness and simplicity of the people of the land of Agarwood and Bird's Nest. I feel very happy about that.

- Compared to the time before entering the Road to Olympia playground, is Thanh Tung of today any different?

- After more than 1 year of participating in the program, I feel that I am much more mature, bolder, more confident when communicating with people, and proactively participating in activities. When I am more confident, I will have more opportunities in life. It can be said that this playground has helped me grow in both knowledge and skills.

- Do you have anything to share with students who are dreaming of conquering the Road to Olympia or similar intellectual playgrounds?

- Please feel free to try, choose the competition, the playground that suits your strengths, interests and live your passion to the fullest. Knowledge is endless, each person has their own path to success. No matter what you do, I still think that if you believe in yourself and try your best, you will receive good things.

- The Road to Olympia 2025 journey has come to an end. There is still a long way to go, can you share a few things about your upcoming plans?

- This is a very important final year of high school, I will temporarily put aside the past to focus on the upcoming national Biology exam, as well as the high school graduation exam and university entrance exam. I plan to study medicine, pharmacy, or biotechnology. No matter which path I take, I know I have a long road ahead with many opportunities and challenges, I need to be dedicated and give it my all.

- Thank you Thanh Tung! I wish you continued progress and success on the road ahead!