"Snail" Huu Hieu, the slim girl to world Muay champion

Huynh Ha Huu Hieu has a small, slim figure. It is hard to believe that she is the SEA Games and world champion in Muay Thai.

The female boxer born in 1999 is not a strange name in the Vietnamese Muay Thai village. She is loved with the nickname "Snail" with a height of 1.58 m and a weight of 48 kg.

"Snail" Huu Hieu (white shirt) with his small, slim figure and Tet atmosphere with family and friends (Photo: FBNV)

A spectacular transformation milestone in 2024

2024 marked a major turning point in Huu Hieu's career when she moved from the youth team (U23) event to the main event of the tournament and won the world championship.

In 2019, at the age of 20, Huynh Ha Huu Hieu won the IMFA world championship in the women's 45kg category after a narrow 29-28 victory over her Philippine opponent. In December 2021, she continued to make a splash when she once again conquered this title.

In June 2024, "Snail" once again reached the pinnacle of glory with a 29-28 victory over her Russian opponent in the final of the women's 45kg category. This time, she no longer competed in the youth category but affirmed her position in the professional arena.

Throughout her career, Huynh Ha Huu Hieu has been on top of the world Muay Thai championship three times organized by the International Muay Thai Federation (IMFA). She also won all the medals (gold, silver, bronze) at three consecutive SEA Games - an admirable achievement.

Special championship - meaningful birthday gift

The 2024 championship not only brought pride but also became an unforgettable memory for Huu Hieu, when she won the gold medal on her birthday. She shared that the feeling at that time was hard to describe, it was not only a meaningful birthday gift but also a milestone affirming her position on the career path.

Passing the U23 age group, Huu Hieu faced unprotected matches and more professional opponents, forcing her to focus and make maximum effort to achieve the highest results.

Huynh Ha Huu Hieu with the gold medal of the 2024 World Muay Championship in Greece (Photo: FBNV)

The female boxer from Khanh Hoa shared that this championship also has another important meaning, which is compensation. Because to participate in this tournament, she had to raise her own funds, with support from relatives and sponsors.

"Snail" recalled the tense match with her Thai opponent, from the nervousness in the second half to the joy of being certain of a bronze medal. She said: "After losing the first half, I was not sure I could turn the situation around, but when my colleague Le Hoang Duc outside gave me advice, I followed it and unexpectedly won. My high spirits helped me compete outstandingly in the third half and defeat my opponent."

Family recognition, social honor

Having a passion for Muay Thai, the "Snail" girl once faced opposition from her mother, who was worried about the risks and injuries her daughter might encounter. However, with her relentless efforts and the successes she has achieved, she has gradually made her mother change her mind and acknowledge the path she has chosen.

"My mother used to worry about possible injuries, so she didn't want me to pursue a career in competition. Now, she has gradually understood, accepted, and felt secure in my choice. Like many other parents, she always wants me to have a stable life and a light job," Huu Hieu shared.

Closing 2024, Huynh Ha Huu Hieu was honored as one of 14 outstanding citizens of Ho Chi Minh City. For her, this title not only recognizes her personal efforts but is also a great source of encouragement, at the same time inspiring young people, especially women, to strongly pursue their passion and overcome challenges.

Huu Hieu from SEA Games and world champion to outstanding young citizen of Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: FBNV, Showdow Entertaiment)

Entering 2025, the 2024 World Muay Thai Champion is also aware of the pressure to maintain the title and achievements as his teachers and seniors once said, "Winning a championship is difficult, keeping it is even more difficult."

"Currently, there are many opponents - young athletes who are very strong. But as long as I compete, I will not stop dedicating my efforts and trying to maintain my peak, protecting my achievements" - the "Snail" girl expressed.

The petite girl is determined to participate in the IMFA 2025 world championship, aiming to reach the No. 1 position in the women's 45kg weight class, surpassing the current No. 2 position despite winning the championship in 2024.

Balancing competition and community support

In addition to competing, Huu Hieu also has a Muay Thai club - 4H Martial Art Club (Le Dai Hanh Street, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City) which she built herself and directly coaches professionally. Arranging time to both practice and manage the club is a big challenge.

However, "Snail" happily said: "During the day, I focus on high-intensity training (2 sessions/day) and in the evening I spend time instructing students."

Huynh Ha Huu Hieu and students at the club (Photo: 4H Martial Art Club)

Her criteria when running the club is to help people improve their health and understanding of Muay Thai, not focusing on training professional athletes but on the joy and benefits of health from training.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/oc-tieu-huu-hie-tu-co-gai-manh-mai-den-nha-vo-dich-muay-the-gioi-196250127132136451.htm