 |
| Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai. |
Overcoming feelings of inferiority
Born in 1977 into a farming family in residential area 7, Tan Quang, Ha Giang 2 ward, Nguyen Thi Mai's childhood was as peaceful as that of many other children. As the eldest sister in the family, she always received the love and protection of her parents.
The tragedy struck when she was just 5 years old. A bout of polio caused her body to convulse repeatedly. After treatment, the disease left severe aftereffects, causing her arms and legs to atrophy and severely affecting her mobility. Recalling those years, Mai mused, "Back then, I was very sad and self-conscious. Seeing my friends running, jumping, and playing, while I struggled to move around, I would often sit quietly in a corner. Sometimes I thought my life would forever be marked by disadvantages."
Despite her disability, she refused to give up. Everyday life was more difficult than for others, but she always strived for independence and persevered, overcoming her limitations. A major turning point came in 2003, when she became the mother of a young son. Wanting better health to care for her child, she turned to sports as a way to improve her physical fitness. From simple initial training sessions, she gradually developed a passion for javelin throwing, discus throwing, and shot put under the guidance of Mr. Nguyen Van Phu, a disabled person in Ha Giang 1 ward. She recalled: “I realized I was quite suited to these activities. Each day I improved a little more, giving me more motivation to keep trying.”
The early days of getting acquainted with the training ground were a series of challenges. To perform a movement correctly, she had to put in many times more effort than the average person. Many times her arms ached and her muscles were exhausted after training sessions, but she persevered in pursuing her chosen goal. She understood that to change her life, she first had to conquer herself.
 |
| Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai won a Silver Medal in the javelin throw event at the 2026 National Championships for Athletics and Weightlifting for People with Disabilities held in Thai Nguyen province. |
That perseverance paid off. In 2005, participating for the first time in the National Paralympic Games in Hanoi , she excelled, winning two silver medals. She emotionally recounted, "I burst into tears when I received the medals. That was the first time I felt I could truly do something meaningful." Those first two medals not only recognized her months of hard training but also fueled her dedication to sports for over two decades.
A journey without end.
From those first steps, Ms. Mai, along with many other disabled people in the former Ha Giang province, contributed to building a sports club for people with disabilities. On these simple training grounds, many rediscovered self-confidence, joy in life, and the aspiration to affirm their self-worth.
Twenty years of persistent pursuit of her passion have brought her more than 70 medals of various kinds, including 10 gold medals. Notable achievements include a gold medal at the Paralympic Games held in China; one silver and two bronze medals at the 9th ASEAN Para Games in Malaysia; and one bronze medal at the Asian Paralympic Games.
Behind those achievements lie countless hours of sweat, tears, and silent sacrifices. Long training trips away from home, injuries, and lingering pain after training sessions have become a familiar part of her life.
What makes her most proud is the silver medal in the discus throw event at the 2022 ASEAN Para Games held in Indonesia. She shared: “I still vividly remember the moment I learned I had won a medal. Years of hard work paid off. Standing on the podium to receive the award, I felt that all my efforts were worthwhile.”
 |
| Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai (left in the photo) receives the Silver Medal in the discus throw event at the 2022 ASEAN Para Games held in Indonesia. |
That joy belongs not only to her personally but also to the pride of her family, teammates, and those who have always supported her on her journey of overcoming difficulties. Recently, at the 2026 National Championships for Athletics and Weightlifting for People with Disabilities held in Thai Nguyen, she continued to win silver medals in the javelin throw events, affirming the prowess of an experienced athlete.
Not only is she an outstanding athlete, Ms. Mai is also a dedicated administrative officer of the Provincial Association for the Support of Disabled People and Orphans. With her experience and understanding, she regularly participates in supporting and encouraging members to overcome their insecurities and strive for a better life. Many disabled people have found hope in her story.
At nearly 50 years old, she still regularly trains and competes. For her, the greatest value that sports brings is not just the medals, but also the transformation in her life. She emotionally said, "Sports has given me health, confidence, and a home where my daughter and I can live peacefully."
Ms. Do Thi Ngan, Vice President of the Association for the Support of Disabled People and Orphans in Tuyen Quang province, shared: “Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai is a prime example of perseverance in overcoming difficulties. Not only has she achieved many high accomplishments in competitions, but she is also always responsible, dedicated to her work, and enthusiastically participates in the Association's activities. She inspires many disabled people in the province.”
In the late afternoon, after finishing work at the office, she returns to her familiar training ground. For over 20 years, she has proven that disability is not a limitation in life. With extraordinary willpower and determination, she has transformed adversity into motivation to rise above it all, writing a beautiful story of aspiration and contribution. On her life's journey, Nguyen Thi Mai continues to conquer new milestones with passion, perseverance, and an unyielding spirit.
Minh Thuy
Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/phong-su/202606/nghi-luc-tren-duong-dua-09d61b6/
