Han Quang Thoai (born 1989, living in TP HCM) developed muscle atrophy in one leg due to complications from polio at age three. He was once mocked, but the swimmer, originally from Ninh Thuan, has proven that individuals with disabilities can achieve extraordinary feats, securing an ASEAN Para Games silver medal and completing a 35 km overnight sea swim.

Swimmer Han Quang Thoai during a sea swim. Photo: NVCC

When the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, his health declined. Han Quang Thoai, then 37 years old, decided to take up swimming. With his atrophied leg, he was hesitant looking down at the blue water, but seeing young people jump into the pool, he told himself, "If they can do it, I can do it too".

Under the guidance of coach Pham Dinh Minh, Thoai dedicated himself to training. Just one month later, he competed nationally and earned two silver medals. His peak achievement came at the ASEAN Para Games earlier this year in Cambodia and Thailand, where he stood on the podium to receive a silver medal.

Despite competing internationally, Thoai did not want to stop there. In 6/2024, he registered for the Ly Son "Cross Island" sea swim competition, a 5 km distance. This challenge is considered highly difficult due to strong currents and numerous jellyfish. Out of 350 participants, only 11 completed the race, including Thoai, the only disabled athlete in the event. He also finished ahead of many professional swimmers and former national team members.

After the competition, Han Quang Thoai became more widely known, and he immediately took on another challenge: a 35 km overnight swim from Vinh Hy to Binh Son beach. Thoai recounted that swimming in the sea at night is a gamble with life itself; visibility is zero, with strong undercurrents and freezing cold. When only 15 km remained, his body was exhausted. But the faint light from the pilot boat and encouraging cheers kept him going. Thoai swam from 5 p.m. the previous day until 10 a.m. the next morning. After 17 hours immersed in saltwater, he touched shore. His back was scratched and bleeding from friction with his swimsuit. Accompanying Thoai on this journey were his teammates from the swimming club, who provided crucial motivation for him to achieve his goal.

"I always want to conquer challenges that able-bodied people can achieve. In swimming, mental strength is very important because if you tense up, it becomes difficult to handle situations underwater," he said.

The swimmer teaches swimming for free to underprivileged children. Photo: NVCC

Thoai's journey led him to a special reunion on the humanitarian television program of VTV1. Facing him was Thanh Vu, the first Vietnamese female athlete to win a world championship in the planet's most extreme event, the Deca Ultra Triathlon, and a brand ambassador for Number 1 of Tan Hiep Phat Group.

Looking at Thoai, Thanh Vu saw herself in moments of life and death. The female champion recalled her haunting experience in Malta, where she spent six hours swimming in freezing water below 16 degrees Celsius. "Before jumping in, I was extremely scared, terrified of hypothermia to the point of tears," she recounted. But her secret to survival was not physical strength but a change in perspective. In the icy water, the athlete chose to confront her fear directly, seeing it as a positive signal. "Once I became one with the water, I realized that the very feeling of fear proved that this challenge was big enough, intense enough to truly push myself out of my comfort zone," she explained.

Thanh Vu had personally witnessed Han Quang Thoai swim at the Nha Trang sea swimming competition, where he finished third. Seeing the man with one atrophied leg powerfully navigate the rough waves deeply moved her.

Thanh Vu (far right) - brand ambassador for Number 1 - Tan Hiep Phat Group talks and gives gifts to swimmer Han Quang Thoai. Photo: Tan Hiep Phat

Thoai stated that he swims not only to demonstrate his abilities but also to contribute to charitable activities. He swam continuously for 24 hours to raise funds for cleft palate surgeries for children; he immersed himself in water for 48 hours to raise money for a baby's surgery in a shelter; and he teaches swimming for free to ensure underprivileged children do not drown.

Reflecting on his journey, the 37-year-old man shared that challenges in the open sea are not as daunting as life's hardships. He recalled the days after graduating from university, knocking on the doors of 10 companies with his resume, only to be politely refused due to his appearance. Desperate, he called his mother. She said, "If 10 places refuse you, apply to the 11th, the 12th. Just keep going, and doors will open." Those words saved him.

"What able-bodied people can do, people with disabilities can also do. If they try 100%, we must work twice as hard. Do not give up when you fail; just keep persevering, and you will reach your goal," he said.

With a spirit focused on positive community values, Tan Hiep Phat Group has partnered with the "Noi Tron Yeu Thuong" program of Nhan Dao Television (broadcast on VTV1 - Vietnam Television) since its initial airing. To date, the program has featured nearly 60 individuals who have inspired the community with their spirit of overcoming adversity, while also honoring collective efforts to help those in difficult circumstances.

Hai My