The Kharchenko family, including Artem, his elder brother Andreii, their parents, and grandmother, embarked on a 16-day journey across Vietnam before arriving in Da Nang. Initially, Hoiana Resort & Golf was merely their final stop. However, upon discovering it was hosting the Aquaman Vietnam 2026 aquathlon, the family altered their plans to allow the two boys to compete.

Artem crosses the finish line. Photo: Aquaman Vietnam

This marked Artem's debut in an aquathlon. He completed the Aqua Kid event, which involved a 200m swim and a 1km run, in 12 minutes 47 seconds, securing fourth place overall. His mother, Valeriia, noted that both her sons enjoy physical activity, so the family encourages them to participate in sports whenever possible.

"Since the start of our trip, we have visited many provinces and cities in Vietnam. When we learned about a competition for children in Da Nang, our entire family was excited. This is a special experience during our travels," she shared.

Artem's older brother, Andreii, 10 and a half, is also set to compete in the Flash Aqua event (200m swim, 2km run) for adults on the morning of 26/7. This new category was added this season to make the competition more accessible for novice athletes.

Valeriia's family cheers on Artem during his competition on the morning of 25/7. Photo: Thy An

The story of the Russian tourist family exemplifies a growing trend at this year's Hoiana Aquaman: combining vacations with sports. Many parents choose Hoiana Resort & Golf for weekend getaways, seeing it as an opportunity for their children to engage in endurance sports rather than just sightseeing or relaxing.

Six-year-old Tran Ngoc Minh Tu, participating in Aqua Kid for the first time, completed the challenge in 25 minutes 49 seconds. He was accompanied by his father, Vu, who will compete in the Aquaman event (2km swim, 21km run) alongside thousands of athletes on the morning of 26/7.

Vu stated that Minh Tu has been learning to swim for two years. After school, he trains at the swimming pool almost daily. Recognizing his son's passion for physical activity, similar to his own, Vu consistently encourages him to participate in sports from an early age.

"My son previously participated in Iron Kid, and today marks his first attempt at Aqua Kid. I don't prioritize his results; I simply hope he gains more experience, grows in confidence after each competition, and maintains his love for sports," he shared.

Minh Tu (right) fully equipped by his father Vu with a cap, goggles, and swim buoy, ready for the Aqua Kid competition. Photo: Aquaman Vietnam

Nguyen Ngoc Bao Di, 9 and a half, also traveled from Ha Noi to Hoi An for the competition, marking her first aquathlon. After three years of swimming lessons, she completed her event in 15 minutes 33 seconds, earning second place among female competitors. Notably, within Bao Di's family, she is the one who inspires her parents to be active.

Ngan stated that seeing her daughter's love for sports and proactive approach to health, she and her husband decided to support her, enabling her to participate in age-appropriate competitions. Two years prior, Bao Di won a silver medal at a running event in Ha Noi for the under-12 category.

"Our greatest wish is for our daughter to gain experience, bravely try new sports, and create beautiful memories with her family," Ngan said.

Bao Di crosses the finish line. Photo: Aquaman Vietnam

Aqua Kid provides an opportunity for many children to combine swimming and running skills in a real race for the first time. For parents, results are less important than the joy of seeing their children dare to try, overcome challenges, and create family memories.

After the children completed the Aqua Kid event, attention shifted to the remaining Hoiana Aquaman 2026 events on the morning of 26/7. The competition drew approximately 1,500 athletes across Aquaman, Half Aquaman, Sprint Aqua, Rush Aqua, and Flash Aqua categories, featuring a course that combined ocean swimming and running at Hoiana Resort & Golf.

Thy An