Having experienced many ups and downs in her sports career, rower Pham Thi Hue has learned to find joy in simple things and ordinary moments in life.
Compared to women in other professions, female athletes often face more disadvantages, sacrificing personal and family happiness to achieve overall success in sports competitions.
However, for Pham Thi Hue, the "gold medalist" of Vietnamese rowing, sports also bring special joys and honor the values of Vietnamese women, who are willing to make sacrifices to pursue their dreams.
On the occasion of Vietnamese Women's Day on October 20th, a reporter from VietnamPlus online newspaper conducted an interview with athlete Pham Thi Hue about the ups and downs in the competitive career of the rower from Quang Binh province.
After twice giving up her Olympic qualification spot to a teammate (in 2016 and 2020, respectively), Pham Thi Hue finally had her first opportunity to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games this past July. So, what were her feelings about her first experience at the biggest sporting arena on the planet?
- The feeling of finally securing the "golden ticket" to the Olympics after so many missed opportunities is truly wonderful. For me, the road to the Olympics has been a long one, and this ticket to Paris 2024 is like a dream come true, a well-deserved reward for all my efforts and determination over the past long period.
Although I had participated in many major tournaments like the ASIAD and SEA Games, it wasn't until I competed in the Olympic Games that I truly felt the difference in scale and magnitude: from the quality of the host country's facilities to the skill level of the participating athletes. The Olympics truly deserves to be the arena that I, as well as all other athletes, aspire to compete in.
You've won many medals at major tournaments like the ASIAD and SEA Games. So, which tournament holds the most memorable memories for you?
- The major tournaments I've participated in have all left me with valuable lessons and memories, because each tournament has its own unique characteristics. For me, what I cherish most in my competitive career are the moments spent side-by-side with my teammates, sharing the ups and downs on the "green track."
What led you to rowing – a sport with demanding physical requirements?
- During my high school years, I regularly participated in the Phu Dong Sports Festival at various levels at my school. This also opened up opportunities for me to be introduced to and selected for the rowing team, training and competing in the sport of rowing.
Indeed, rowing is a very demanding sport, requiring athletes to have endurance and the ability to withstand the sun and wind. However, coming from a farming family and having helped my parents with farm work since childhood, I didn't find it difficult to train and compete in this sport – which offers better living and training conditions.
How did your family and relatives react to your decision to pursue a career in sports?
- I've always felt fortunate to have my family as a strong support system in my career. When I started pursuing this sport, my parents and siblings always encouraged and motivated me, allowing me to focus on training and dedication. Even after starting my own family, I received support from my parents-in-law. They are always attentive and supportive of their daughter-in-law during training camps and competitions far from home.
In particular, I also have a solid "support system" in the form of an "absolutely amazing" husband (laughs). He's always been my companion in every moment, going through tough times with me and sharing the ups and downs of competition.
It seems that your rowing competition hasn't received as much attention as other sports?
This is actually understandable because in Vietnam, rowing was introduced relatively late compared to other sports (it wasn't until 2003 that Vietnamese rowing made its first appearance at an international competition, the 22nd SEA Games).
When I started my career, Vietnam was a "blank spot" in rowing; very few people knew about the sport, so the athletes received less attention, which made me feel a little disheartened.
However, over time, I, as well as other athletes representing Vietnamese Rowing, have gradually strived to spread the image of this sport further within the community, through competitions ranging from local to continental levels.
To date, Vietnamese rowing has achieved significant success in major tournaments such as the ASIAD and SEA Games. This gives me hope that future generations of athletes will receive even more attention from the community.
Some argue that women face more difficulties, hardships, and disadvantages when pursuing professional sports, requiring far greater sacrifices than men. Based on your own experiences, how do you evaluate this viewpoint?
- For me, whether something is considered a disadvantage or not depends on each person's perspective. If you determine that the path you've chosen is your passion, and you can contribute and enjoy every moment of your decision, then neither men nor women will feel disadvantaged. The opportunities that allow both men and women to showcase their talents also prove that women can do and excel at jobs that were once "defaulted" for men.
Do you have any advice for young athletes, especially female athletes, who aspire to pursue their professional sports dreams?
- Keep practicing and striving tirelessly, and sooner or later, the rewards will surely come!
Besides training and competing, what do you usually do in your free time?
- In reality, sports always take up most of my time, so I don't have too many special activities in my free time. When I'm tired from training, I just want to go home and rest, then help my husband with cooking and housework, and when I have more time, I take the kids out to play...
Both of my children are very proud of their parents' athletic achievements. However, having witnessed their parents' arduous training process from a young age, they don't want to follow in their parents' footsteps in sports (laughs).
Like many women, I'm a "shopping addict": I shop when I'm tired, I shop when I'm healthy, and I shop when I'm happy or sad. As long as my finances allow, I'll keep "shopping" (laughs).
Having competed in many international tournaments, which country has left the strongest impression on you?
For me, there's no place like home, Vietnam. I'm always filled with intense emotions and deeply impressed by the culture and traditions that are so distinctly Vietnamese.
Can you share who your role model is in sports?
- I don't have the concept of idols, because for me, each role model, each example, has its own strengths and offers its own lessons. I can learn from the strengths in each situation and at each time to strive for improvement, but I don't focus on any specific role model.
What is your favorite quote?
- Blood may be scarce, but "fire" is not! - Health may be poor, but "fighting spirit" must be high!
What is your favorite color?
- Red.
If you hadn't pursued a professional sports career, what would your dream job be?
- Ever since I was little, I've dreamed of becoming a professional athlete, so I've never considered other "paths." I did try my hand at trading for fun, but I later felt I wasn't suited for it, so I stopped. Currently, I spend my free time resting and recharging, ensuring my training and competition are my top priorities.
Thank you, Ms. Pham Thi Hue, for your insightful sharing! We wish you a joyful and happy Women's Day on October 20th, filled with happiness with your family and loved ones! We hope you will always maintain your positive energy to inspire the next generation of young athletes!
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