Born in 2002, Nguyen Gia Huy has cerebral palsy, which weakens the right side of his body and makes movement difficult. That wasn't the only obstacle preventing him from participating in sports. Huy's father passed away when he was less than one year old. His mother became his sole support as he started school with his peers in the countryside of Thang Binh (formerly Quang Nam province).

"My hand is weak, even holding a bowl of rice is not easy. In addition, the disease makes it difficult for me to pronounce clearly. Sometimes, I have to try very hard just to finish a sentence. I used to be very self-conscious and felt sorry for myself because I learned slower than my friends," Huy recounted.

Gia Huy during a run with Ngu Hanh Son Runners. *Photo: Ngu Hanh Son Runners*

In 2023, Huy moved to Da Nang for school. Inspired by the local running movement, he began his journey of physical training. Every morning, Huy wakes up at 4 a.m. and runs alone along My Khe beach for one to one and a half hours. He listens to his body, adjusting his breathing and pace. Initially, Huy could only run a few hundred meters. But through perseverance, he gradually extended his runs.

Huy previously played football, but the physical contact proved disadvantageous. "Running challenges my will more. Perhaps, having become accustomed to this challenge since childhood, I didn't give up," he said.

After several months of training, Gia Huy sought out Da Nang Runners and was warmly welcomed. The 23-year-old then had teammates and received more structured training guidance. Thanh Vy, the leader of Da Nang Runners, commented: "Huy is a special case, very hardworking and humble. Everyone admires his resilience."

Besides his personal efforts, Gia Huy now has the encouragement of his fellow runners. Through community activities, he realized that everyone has their own pressures to overcome. From that, Huy found empathy, and sometimes even opportunities to rise above his challenges.

At the Danang International Marathon 2023, Huy completed the 10 km race in 53 minutes. In early 2024, he impressed further by finishing in the top 12 overall in the 5 km race at the Quang Nam Marathon. At the VnExpress Marathon Da Nang Midnight 2024, Gia Huy attempted his first 21 km race. However, an ankle injury forced him to stop midway. Undeterred, Huy continued training, aiming to conquer the half marathon and achieved that at the SBS Running event with a sub-two-hour time.

Gia Huy transitioned to shorter distances when selected for Da Nang's para-athletics team. *Photo: Ngu Hanh Son Runners*

During Da Nang Runners' year-end party in late 2024, Huy met and spoke with athlete Nguyen Thanh Ngung, who represented Vietnam in racewalking at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Seeing Huy's passion and desire for professional competition, Thanh Ngung connected him with the coaching staff of the city's para-athletics team.

There, Huy began to adapt to a structured training environment, with clear lesson plans and regular professional evaluations. He has been designated for the 100, 200, and 400-meter races. Although the training volume has doubled, Huy is happy that he is no longer just running for fitness. This October, he will represent Da Nang in the 2025 National Para-Athletics Championships.

Coach Binh Le, who directly monitors Huy's progress, assessed: "He has great potential and desire." Meanwhile, national marathon record holder Hoang Nguyen Thanh commented: "I see great resilience in this young runner. He will certainly go far."

More than once, Gia Huy has faced comments suggesting he is wasting his youth and health on running. But he remains undeterred. The runner says with every stride, he feels his father's presence. "My arm may not be normal, but my legs must be extraordinary. If you want to move forward, you can't stop because of someone's words. That's what I often tell myself," he said.

Looking back on two years of running, Gia Huy realizes how it has unexpectedly changed him. He has become more confident, positive, and resilient. For Huy, running is no longer just a sport, but a daily journey of surpassing himself and nurturing his dreams for the future. "I believe, if he were still alive, my father would be proud of me," he said.

Hai Long

VnExpress Marathon Da Nang 2025 took place on the morning of 20/7, with a route passing many iconic tourist spots such as the Dragon Bridge, Thuan Phuoc Bridge, Han River, and Vo Nguyen Giap coastal road. This year, the starting time changed to 2:30 a.m. The finish line for the 42 km race was moved to Bien Dong Park to expand the cheering area and enhance the runner experience. Readers can find more information here.