Van Trang conquers Y Ty 42km and fires back at body shamers: 'I run with my feet, not with your words!'

Lao Cai – In the bone-chilling cold of Mount Lao Than at 2,860 meters above sea level, one woman kept moving one step at a time. On the morning of September 6, 2026, at the Y Ty Golden Season trail race, the Hanoi-born runner born in 2026 created a real upset. She not only won the women’s 42km category but also finished second overall, beating almost every male runner in the event. Her name is Van Trang, known in the running community as Jang Doll. But her Y Ty story goes beyond the medal. After stepping off the podium, her photo was shared on running groups and social media with inappropriate comments about her naturally large bust. Instead of celebrating her outstanding 4-hour-26-minute finish, online chatter focused on her body. Some even compared her to carrying two pomelos while running. Van Trang refused to stay silent. She fired back: “I dare anyone to carry two pomelos and run 42km or 55km on mountain trails! I run with my feet, not with my appearance. If someone wants to judge, let them judge. I run with my legs, not with anyone’s mouth!” For those familiar with trail running, her response reflects a simple truth: a 42km route at Y Ty, with over 1,300 meters of elevation gain, steep slopes and thin mountain air, is no place for jokes. To finish near the top, a runner needs serious endurance, precise pacing, mental strength and smart nutrition. Victory is forged through months of training and discipline, not through physical appearance. Van Trang shared: “The 42km distance has steep sections that almost drained all my energy. At that time, I only focused on the next segment, controlled my breathing, distributed my strength and refueled at the right time. I told myself: Stay calm, as long as you have energy, you still have a chance. This endurance comes from consistency and discipline. Besides running, I combine gym, swimming and other supplementary exercises to build physical strength every day.” Her story is not rare among Vietnamese female runners. Many women must cope with double pressure: climbing impossible distances while being judged for their bodies. Trail running is already one of the toughest sports. The more extreme the race, the more practical and lightweight the gear becomes. A woman with a curvy or naturally bigger build does not deserve online mockery. The inspiring fact is that she finished after years of training. Instead of cheering, some people choose to drag her down behind a screen. Facing the question of whether she would cover up more, Van Trang stated firmly: “Sportswear must first be comfortable and safe. If I change myself just because I fear judgment, I would always live under other people’s gaze. I choose to focus on the race and my goals. Marathon taught me that not every condition on the track is perfect. Life is the same. Compliments make me happy, criticism helps me reflect, but I learn to ignore comments without goodwill.” Her journey at Y Ty proves that in sport, gender and appearance do not matter. Race organizers only record times and rankings when you cross the finish line. Comments about a female athlete’s body, intentional or not, distort the true value of sport: perseverance, tactics and human will. Now, after claiming the women’s 42km title and an impressive overall runner-up position, Van Trang has become a role model for busy mothers and women who hesitate to start sports. Her story sends a powerful message: train for yourself, respect women who pursue their passion, and turn negative energy into motivation. Next, she aims to challenge the brutal ultra trail distance of 70km at VMM and later a 100km race by the end of the year. Given her performance, supporters trust in Van Trang’s endurance. “Let results speak. We don’t need to become what others want us to be. Just become a better version of yourself every day,” she concluded confidently. The beauty of sport lies in overcoming yourself. Once you cover 42km through the mountains of Y Ty, voices of mockery become tiny. The trail is covered in sweat and footprints, a place with no room for those who only judge from their keyboards. Van Trang delivered the most powerful response possible: crossing the finish line amid applause and leaving behind all the hatred and trivial judgments.