Overcoming limitations, returning to one's homeland.

Sarah Elizabeth Segrest, a 24-year-old woman of Vietnamese descent, has become an inspiring figure in the American triathlon arena. With unwavering determination, she has not only overcome her physical limitations but is also boldly embarking on an equally important personal journey: discovering her own identity.

According to AsAm News, after just a few months of determined training, Sarah Elizabeth Segrest quickly reaped prestigious awards, achieving admirable success. She is the first woman of Vietnamese descent to win the Texas state championship title in the USA Triathlon.

Most recently, Sarah Elizabeth Segrest qualified to join the US national team, an achievement that allows her to represent the country at major international multi-sport competitions.

Sarah Elizabeth Segrest was delighted with the conical hat.

Beyond competing, Sarah Elizabeth Segrest is also actively involved in community building. She founded The Collective Tri, a local program aimed at making triathlon more inclusive and accessible to everyone.

Few people know that the girl nicknamed "the last one to get out of the water" in these competitions never intended to become a professional triathlete (swimming, cycling, running). It all started when she decided to join a local running club to prove her mental and physical strength.

She committed to a rigorous schedule. That included training seven days a week, waking up at 3:30 a.m. to swim, group training, working out, and continuing with a run or bike ride in the afternoon. This determination transformed triathlon into a lifestyle and a tool for self-reform. Sarah Elizabeth Segrest entered her first triathlon at the Half Ironman in Galveston, Texas.

To prepare, she participated in several local short-distance triathlons and won the second race, causing a major surprise. This victory also earned her a spot in the 2025 US National Sprint Triathlon Championships in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Alongside her sporting milestones, Sarah Elizabeth Segrest is gradually exploring her Vietnamese heritage. Sarah Elizabeth Segrest, whose legal name is Johnson, was adopted from the Bien Hoa area of ​​Dong Nai province when she was just one year old. Growing up in a predominantly white family and community, for many years Sarah Elizabeth Segrest considered herself a pure American and had little interest in learning about her roots.

However, enduring discriminatory behavior from her peers left her feeling deeply hurt. It wasn't until her middle school years that she truly realized the differences in her identity compared to those around her. To cope with these emotions, Sarah Elizabeth Segrest turned to writing as a way to process her conflicting thoughts and her yearning to understand her birthplace.

Sarah Elizabeth Segrest in everyday life

Sarah Elizabeth Segrest shared: “It’s difficult because with heavy topics like national identity, we often tend to keep them to ourselves. Knowing that there are others going through similar things is why I wanted to be public about this journey.”

Sarah Elizabeth Segrest is currently learning about Vietnam through its cuisine , trying to learn the language, and listening to the stories of other adoptive parents. Although she has never returned to Vietnam and only knows her biological mother's name, she longs to go back and find her.

She believes that the meaning of life lies in seeking answers and doesn't want to leave unanswered questions behind. Sarah Elizabeth Segrest's adoptive mother, Elizabeth, recalls her daughter's childhood in North Carolina: "From the very first day, she captured my heart. She was my daughter." For her part, Sarah Elizabeth Segrest only desires one simple thing: "I just want to make them proud. I also want to make my biological mother proud, wherever she may be."

THANH HANG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/vuot-gioi-han-tim-ve-que-huong-post824938.html