VICTOR: Nguyễn Thị Thật (right) will be the first Vietnamese cyclist at this year's Olympics in Paris. Photo of Tour of Thailand

Nguyễn Thị Thật is considered the most successful cyclist in Việt Nam's history, with five SEA Games titles and three Asian championship golds. The first Vietnamese cyclist in history earning a spot at the Paris Olympics 2024, she shares her journey with reporter Thế Nam.

Inner Sanctum: It is not easy to qualify for the Olympics. How did you do it?

It is due to the gold earned at the 2023 Asian Road Cycling Championship in Thailand. The road race is an Olympic event and, the winner of the tournament qualifies for the Olympics.

Actually, it was my third time that I triumphed in the Asian championships. Previously, I won in 2018 and 2022, but gold in 2023 was the most meaningful as it gave me an Olympic berth.

Inner Sanctum: How did you feel when you qualified?

I'm still grateful and happy. I'm really proud. No words can describe my feelings, and nothing can compare to that happiness. Like all athletes, I have dreamt about having the opportunity to take part in an Olympics, and I made it after 15 years of cycling.

Inner Sanctum: After such a long time, you must have many achievements?

The first memorable one was a silver at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. Then, it was the 2023 Asian championship title that pushed me to the Paris Games. These were the two most important milestones in my career.

In addition, I have been also lucky to win golds in five SEA Games in a row from 2015 to 2023.

NATIONAL PRIDE: Nguyễn Thị Thật celebrates her 2023 Asian championship victory, which brings her to the Paris Olympics. Photo of Việt Nam Sport Team

Again, the 2023 Asian championship victory was the most special. All competitors at this tournament tried their best to secure the top position to take the only Olympic place available.

During my championship, cyclists from strong teams such as China, Japan, South Korea, Kazakhstan and Thailand consecutively opened attacks. My crew, teammates and I had to work hard, unite together and make a suitable tactic, so that I could bring my strong point of sprinting in the last few hundred metres into play. Finally, I completed the mission successfully.

Inner Sanctum: Before pocketing success, you must have faced failure. Can you tell us about it?

Failure is part of the game. No pain, no gain, you know. I'm a normal athlete like many others. After each competition, regardless of winning or losing, I always review my performance, find my mistakes and try to fix them. These failures help me grow, perfect my ability and develop strongly.

The worst memory should be missing out on the opportunity to win the gold at the 19th Asian Games in China last year because my injury had not yet recovered from an accident at the Giro'd Italia race earlier.

Injury is a nightmare for every athlete. It not only prevents us from taking part in elite competitions but also steals our best form. And many of us even have to retire because of serious injuries.

Inner Sanctum: Your younger sister was also a cyclist but retired because of injury after an accident. What do you think about the dangers that athletes encounter on the track?

It is true that I have bet my life on this passion. Cycling is one of the harshest sports, as it can take the life of an athlete at any time. Scratches and broken arms and legs are among common occurrences.

Serious injuries and even death are not uncommon situations at major European and world-class races.

I'd be lying if I said I'm not afraid of these problems. But I was probably born to be a cyclist, so I just encouraged myself to be strong and continue cycling. I have striven my best, not only for myself but also for my sister.

Inner Sanctum: You are a member of An Giang Club but are competing for an European one. What are the main differences between Vietnamese and foreign cycling?

Foreign athletes are always invested in and trained professionally right from the beginning of their careers. Their self-discipline in training is high, and their salary and bonuses are worthwhile with the results that they achieve.

Inner Sanctum: It is said that your salary is about VNĐ100 million per month, which is a dream of many Vietnamese athletes. Is it true that cycling has changed your life?

I also dream of that number and hope to make it regularly. Actually, I will not get that if I cycle in Việt Nam.

Nguyễn Thị Thật seen competing for Swiss Israel Premier Tech Roland Club at the Giro d'Italia 2023. Photo of organisers

It is true that sport has helped me and my family have a better life, but what I have achieved today resulted from my hard work, not luck. Everyone knows that everything will have its price. And the price of success is not cheap.

Inner Sanctum: What do you do in your spare time?

I am a student at the University of Sports in HCM City. When I don't have competition. I spend my time studying and visiting my family. I often practise and compete far from home, so my time for family is limited.

Inner Sanctum: What is your target at the upcoming Olympics?

It's hard to say anything before any tournament. Attending the 2024 Paris Olympics is something that I once thought would only happen in a dream. It will be a tournament that features all the strongest athletes around the world.

But now my dream has come true, and I must try to make it more perfect. I first set a goal of having a safe race, and then cycling with the best of my ability and better if possible. The rest depends on fate.

Inner Sanctum: In your opinion, what secrets are the key factors to helping athletes succeed?

I have no secret. It is formed in the training process, mental awareness, mindset, and a reasonable diet.

To be successful, athletes must try their best and be truly passionate about the sport. The road to success cannot rely on luck, it is the tireless effort of each player. VNS