Love story of golden couple with disabilities

(NLDO) – Behind the medals of the disabled athlete couple Diep Man and Thanh Dat is a journey of overcoming adversity, connected by love and aspiration.

From individual effort to para-swimming medal

Born in 1984, Ms. Tran Thi Diep Man has been involved in swimming for the disabled since 2007. At first, it was just to improve her health because of her weak legs, but the more she got involved, the more she loved it and was determined to pursue it long-term.

In the early days, her biggest obstacle was not the technique but the transportation. Without a vehicle, she had to rely on friends to pick her up and drop her off. In 2008, a guest coincidentally gave her an electric bike - a small gift but a great motivation, helping her to persevere to go to the pool every day.

Athlete couple Pham Thanh Dat and Tran Thi Diep Man with their children. Photo: Huynh Quyen

Despite facing injuries and fatigue from a heavy training program, she still persevered in training. The most unforgettable memory was the first time she participated in a competition in Hue , competing in the 400m freestyle. When all the other athletes had gone ashore, she still tried to complete the swim. "It was very sad, but I would regret giving up, so I decided not to stop," she recalled.

The result of her determination is 1 silver medal and 2 bronze medals this year - a reward not only for herself but also for her to take care of her two young children.

Achievement list on the disabled swimming track

Pham Thanh Dat started swimming later than his wife, in 2010, while he was still learning the trade. "My friends invited me to go swimming for fun, but I didn't expect it to stick with me until now," he said. After nearly 16 years, swimming has made him a member of the national Paralympic team, with impressive achievements: 4 gold medals, 2 silver medals in just one competition.

He suffered injuries many times due to the heavy training load. "Sometimes my muscles tore, sometimes my whole body ached. But every time I got to compete and meet my teammates, I felt happy," he shared.

Swimming clip - 2025 Paralympic Sports Tournament - Clip: MY NGAN - THI KY

Even though he has a family, balancing training and taking care of his wife and children is not easy. But for him, sports is both a career and a positive joy in life.

Happiness from the same swimming lane

If it weren’t for swimming, perhaps Dat and Man wouldn’t have met. The tournaments helped her overcome her inferiority complex and become more confident – ​​and that’s where she met her life partner.

Their love was nurtured from empathy and sharing on the swimming path, and then formed a small home full of faith. For Ms. Man, family is a support to become stronger. For Mr. Dat, his wife and children are the reason to continue to stick with top sports.

The story of athlete couple Diep Man - Thanh Dat is a clear proof: disability is not a barrier, but can become a motivation for people to rise up.

For Ms. Man, the greatest value that sports brings is not the medals, but the confidence and fortitude that is cultivated. On the swimming track as well as in life, they still go together, continuing to write a beautiful story about love, determination and desire to live.

After 5 days of exciting competition (from September 9 to 15), the 2025 National Championships for Swimming, Chess, Boccia, Archery and Judo for the Disabled concluded successfully, leaving many impressions on both expertise and organization. The host team, Ho Chi Minh City, affirmed its strength by leading 4 out of 5 sports.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/chuyen-tinh-cua-doi-vo-chong-duong-boi-khuet-tat-196250914184022534.htm