Khanh Ly: from childhood tears to track and field triumph

With a radiant smile, graceful physique, and powerful stride, Nguyen Khanh Ly is not only an exceptional runner but also an inspiration of beauty and willpower.

Since then, the Quang Tri native has consistently participated in amateur marathons across the country at various distances. From the Da Nang International Marathon to the Tien Phong Marathon, she's always among the top finishers.

Athlete Nguyen Khanh Ly spoke with VnExpress on the morning of 17/7 in Da Nang.

Born in 2003 in Vinh Linh, Quang Tri, Ly found her calling in track and field in Da Nang. Beautiful, determined, and resilient, she is a rising star in Da Nang athletics. But her journey to victory and the spotlight has been a long one, starting from a challenging childhood filled with ambition, passion, and unwavering determination.

The 22-year-old runner won the 11km race at the "Proud of My Fatherland" half marathon in 5/2025. "Running longer distances has helped me gain many insights. Perseverance and the will to never give up are guiding principles I always keep in mind," Ly shared.

Khanh Ly (second from right) was born into a family with three sisters in the windswept, sandy land of Quang Tri. As children, all three sisters enjoyed volleyball but didn't pursue it professionally.

"We played for fun, and then somehow, I switched to track and field in 7th grade. It started with school competitions, then I competed in the Phu Dong Sports Festival in Quang Tri province and caught the attention of Da Nang track and field coaches," Ly recounted.

At the young age of 13, the news of training and studying in Da Nang left Ly feeling bewildered. "My parents were both supportive and hesitant. I didn't know what to do. But then I thought that in Da Nang, someone would take care of my education and living expenses, so I went," she recalled.

"I'm fortunate to have my family's support. Besides my own efforts, the help from my coaches and teammates is a great motivation for me on every run. I'm also excited to travel and experience new places through these races," Khanh Ly shared. "But I still miss my family. I'm conflicted because I often feel apprehensive about going home. Every time I return to my parents, I don't want to leave again."

But Ly didn't anticipate the strangeness of a new environment. "I started crying because I missed home, every night, and often wanted to quit. This went on for several years," she shared, her eyes welling up. "But thanks to the encouragement of my coaches and teachers, making new friends, and gradually adapting to the new surroundings, I got used to track and field and stayed in Da Nang."

Unlike in Quang Tri, where she ran sprints (100m and 200m), in Da Nang, Ly transitioned to middle-distance running (800m and 1500m). Training and studying continuously at the old Chi Lang stadium, Ly achieved numerous accomplishments in youth track and field competitions for Da Nang.

Thanks to her achievements in youth competitions, including a silver medal and three bronze medals at the 2020 National Youth Athletics Championships, a bronze medal at the 2022 National Youth Athletics Championships, and a silver medal at the 2023 Ho Chi Minh City Open Athletics Championships, Khanh Ly was called up to the national track and field team for middle-distance running. However, after training year-round without competing, she requested to return to Da Nang.

After narrowly missing a medal in the 1500m at the 2023 National Athletics Championships, Ly improved her performance in 2024, bringing home a valuable bronze medal for Da Nang in the same event. "Competing against older, more experienced athletes, this bronze medal is very precious to me and to the Da Nang track and field team," Ly proudly stated.

Overcoming homesickness to make a name for herself in youth competitions, Ly faced moments of doubt when she began competing professionally at 19 against more established athletes. "Several times, I thought about quitting track and field to return to my family because I wasn't achieving results. I even tried race walking for a while, but it wasn't a good fit," she revealed.

A turning point came in 2022 with the Ho Chi Minh City Open Athletics Championships. Coach Nguyen Duc Thao registered his star pupil for the competition. "My willpower was depleted, but my coach revived it. Besides, I wanted to see Ho Chi Minh City, having never been there before. I unexpectedly won a bronze medal in the 1500m."

After overcoming her thoughts of giving up, Khanh Ly turned to amateur running events, often competing in the 10km and 21km distances. "The 2023 Tam Ky Marathon was my first marathon, and I placed second in the 21km. It gave me a huge boost, rekindling my passion for running."

Khanh Ly's joy at finishing second in the 21km VnExpress Marathon Hue 2025 is evident. Unlike other amateur marathon runners, in addition to training for 10km and 21km races, Ly also maintains her middle-distance training regimen with the Da Nang track and field team.

"I always prioritize fulfilling my duties with the Da Nang team before participating in amateur events. For some competitions, I train in the morning and then travel by plane or bus in the afternoon or evening to reach the venue. I'm very grateful for the support of the management and coaches," Ly said.

Khanh Ly strides through the streets of Da Lat during a night race where she claimed first place. She also achieved victory in Phan Thiet.

Additionally, she won a prize at the Public Security Half Marathon in Nghe An. At the "Proud of My Beloved City" race in Ho Chi Minh City, commemorating 100 years of revolutionary journalism in Vietnam, the Quang Tri native also stood on the podium.

After the amateur races, Khanh Ly is now focusing on training for the 800m, 1500m, 3000m steeplechase, and relay events in preparation for the 2025 National Athletics Championships.

"Currently, I can't participate in amateur events as I'm concentrating on my goals for the National Championships with Da Nang. I hope to improve on my medal color," the 22-year-old said.