Mother of four wins women's 42km at Y Ty Golden Season 2026: 'I run with my own legs, not with other people's mouths'

On September 6, 2026, at the Y Ty Golden Season trail race in Lao Cai, Vietnam, a remarkable finish took place. Van Trang, known as Jang Doll, crossed the line in the women's 42km category in 4 hours 26 minutes. She finished second overall, beating almost all male runners and trailing only the first man. The 42km route featured more than 1,300m of accumulated elevation, with the highest point at Lung Than peak, 2,860m above sea level. Steep slopes, thick mist and thin air turned the race into a true test of endurance. Van Trang said she focused only on the next section, kept her breathing steady and managed her energy carefully. She credited her strength to daily discipline: running, gym work, swimming and supplementary exercises. Right after her victory, instead of praising her performance, some online commenters began mocking her body shape. They used the phrase about carrying two grapefruits while running. Van Trang responded directly: "I dare you to carry two grapefruits and run 42km or 55km on mountain trails! I run with my legs, not with my looks. I still finished, I am healthy and happy." Her statement sparked a wave of support and opened a deeper discussion. Female athletes are often judged by their appearance before their achievements are recognized. Van Trang refused to change her outfit to avoid scrutiny and insisted that sportswear must be comfortable and safe. She said marathon training teaches you that conditions are not always perfect, and life is the same. Compliments please her, criticism makes her look inward, but unkind words are best ignored. Now Van Trang is preparing for the VMM 70km ultra trail and a 100km race at the end of the year. Her strongest message is not about winning medals but about defining yourself on your own terms. She does not need to be the person others want to see; she needs to become a better version of herself every day.