Athletics

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Sầm Văn Đời (No 164) crosses the finish line of the men's 800m at the National Athletics Championships 2025.. — VNS Photo Minh Đức

​Thanh Hà

Sầm Văn Đời seemed to disappear into the middle of the pack for most of the race, but with about 200 metres to go, he surged forward as if rising from the ground, overtaking all competitors to cross the finish line first.

Đời created a spectacular upset earlier this year, leaving behind reigning champion and many other title favourites to take the gold medal with a time of 1min 53.10sec in the National Athletics Championships' men's 800m event.

He not only improved from second position last year, but also won a slot in the national team heading to the 33rd SEA Games next month.

In the men's 1,500m event, he also secured a silver medal.

The impressive results made Đời, 26, the first native of Cao Bằng Province to compete in the regional biennial games.

"I really have to thank my mother and coaches who have helped me win these medals and bring me to the SEA Games," said Đời.

"My mother died 20 years ago but I believe that she is still with me. And my coaches have taken care of and trained me."

Rising talent

Đời was excited about his first ever victory in the national championship and his life soon changed remarkably.

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Sầm Văn Đời (1st right) sprints to the finish line. He leaves reigning champion Lương Đức Phước and other powerful rivals behind to take his first gold. VNS Photo Minh Đức

​​​Đời came to athletics in 2015 when he was 16. He won gold in a district tournament and repeated the feat in a provincial competition. Coach Lục Văn Liêm then picked him for Cao Bằng's Sports Training Centre.

Đời increasingly improved and revealed his potential although he had a late start compared to other runners. He secured bronze in the 1,500m event during the first time competing in the national junior athletic championships in 2018.

"It was my first time away from home and the first national-scale tournament. But I was in a bittersweet situation when my coach overslept and I went to the track with no assistance, running my own," said Đời.

"Many people told me that a runner from a mountainous area, with poor-standard facilities, would have no chance of winning a medal," he said.

"I was nervous at the start line but just sped up and ran and ran. I was overtaken several times but in the last lap, I believe that I ran thanks to my iron will. Somehow I crossed the finish line and grabbed a bronze."

Sầm Văn Đời (centre, front row) and the victorious team. VNS Photo Minh Đức

SEA Games goal

Experts said although he didn't have much experience, all of his indicators including starting speed, endurance, and breakaway ability as well as basic techniques were at a high level, helping him make an impressive mark in his national debut.

"Đời always competes to the best of his ability, targeting the highest results," said coach Lục. "He is an active runner who strives to improve his skills every day. He had never let us down."

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Sầm Văn Đời's great efforts bring him opportunities for SEA Games 33 next month in Thailand. VNS Photo Minh Đức

​However, it was a tough task for Đời to find a berth in the national team at that time as Việt Nam was home to the best in the 800m and 1,500m categories. He could not beat seniors such as Dương Văn Thái, Trần Văn Đảng and Lương Đức Phước.

However, last summer, he came second in the 800m in the Thailand Open Track & Field Championships. He then earned national silvers in the 800m and 1,500m that November.

This year, as the national championships were also a selection event for the SEA Games, Đời made his dream come true with one gold and one silver, respectively.

"After more than six years training professionally, I had my own medal in a senior tournament. It was another impressive milestone in my career," he said.

Đời is happy with the gold this year, but now his eyes are on the 33rd SEA Games.

"My main rivals are from Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. I will run fast and hope to get a medal," he explained. “I believe that if you give everything to pursue your passion, success will follow you.” VNS