Never surrender, defy obstacles .
Nguyen Son Lam (born in 1982) comes from a poor family in Uong Bi, Quang Ninh . At just one year old, the effects of Agent Orange began to weaken his body. His legs atrophied and could not develop normally. Since then, wooden crutches have become his "legs" for life. Currently, Son Lam weighs less than 30kg.
But what truly impresses people isn't his small stature, but his almost limitless willpower.
Many people know Son Lam through his 2011 journey to conquer Fansipan peak – a journey that earned him the record for "The first person to conquer Fansipan using wooden crutches." More than ten years after that journey, his indomitable spirit continues to be present on the pickleball court of the 2026 Para Natuh Pickleball Tournament in Bac Ninh .
Unlike his usual motivational speeches, this time Son Lam didn't stand on stage to tell his life story. He directly entered the game. He served, moved, and competed for points just like any other athlete.
“When I stepped onto the field, what I felt most strongly was equality. Everyone looked at me like a real athlete, not someone standing on the sidelines to be cheered on. I was allowed to compete fairly, to be respected, and to give my all. For me, that feeling was incredibly happy,” Son Lam shared.
Perhaps, for many people with disabilities, the word "equality" is sometimes more precious than a medal. They are so accustomed to being relegated to a position of needing help and pity, rather than being recognized as individuals with their own abilities and value. In that moment, sports are no longer simply about winning or losing. They become a bridge that brings people closer together, erasing the boundaries between "able" and "disabled."
When asked why he chose pickleball, a sport that requires agile movement, Son Lam explained that it was the openness and connection inherent in the sport that made him want to give it a try.
Son Lam shared: “These kinds of tournaments should have appeared a long time ago and should be organized more regularly. Whether disabled or able-bodied, we are all equal. Sports give people the clearest opportunity to demonstrate that equality. People with disabilities are not left out to be pitied, but can directly participate, compete, and affirm themselves.”
According to Son Lam, pickleball is special because both disabled and able-bodied players can compete on the same court with appropriate adjustments. This is what makes him feel a strong sense of integration rather than distance.
Imperfect, but still shines.
Among dozens of athletes on the court at the 2026 Para Natuh Pickleball Tournament in Bac Ninh, the image of athlete Nguyen Son Lam, leaning on his wooden crutches, slowly moving to receive each ball, impressed many. Ultimately, he and his teammates won the "Idol" award.
Son Lam came to pickleball more out of enjoyment than formal preparation. His busy work schedule prevented him from practicing daily. For over a year, he mainly played with friends, practicing whenever he had free time. For an average person, pickleball requires agility; but for someone who has to use crutches to maintain balance like him, every movement on the court is a challenge.
Son Lam shared: “I often joke with people that I'm probably the most disadvantaged person on this court. I have to hold crutches and a racket with both hands, so I can't run fast or hit the ball as hard as others. But the most important thing is that I get to play, socialize, and stand on the court like everyone else.”
Without powerful shots, Son Lam chose to play with skill. He observed his opponent's position, controlled the ball softly, and often used lob shots to send the ball over the head of the player standing close to the net. Each shot was not just about technique, but also about adapting to his own body: knowing his strengths and weaknesses so he could still play in his own unique way.
Besides spreading optimism, Son Lam also made many people reflect when he mentioned the concept of "disability." He believes that in life, no one is absolutely perfect. There are flaws that are clearly visible on the body, but there are also deep-seated injuries that others cannot see.
"Some people lose an arm, and we call them disabled. But there are people with congenital heart defects or missing a kidney, and nobody sees them to call them that. Even some people who are physically healthy may be 'disabled' in their behavior and how they interact with the community. Therefore, the most important thing is to look at each other with equality and respect."
For Son Lam, sports not only help people become healthier but also teach them to love their bodies. He believes that many athletes today don't truly understand the importance of taking care of their health from the inside out, especially nutrition. But above all, what he wants to spread is a positive spirit: accepting one's limitations but not surrendering to fate.
On that day on the court, Nguyen Son Lam wasn't the strongest player, nor was he the ultimate winner. But the image of the small man on crutches persistently moving, cheerfully receiving each ball, and smiling after every missed shot, left a longer impression on many than the score itself.
Because sometimes, the most beautiful thing about sports isn't the medal, but the moment when people overcome their insecurities, push beyond their limits, and live up to their own values.
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/tu-doi-nang-go-den-nhung-cu-danh-vuot-len-so-phan-226646.html
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