Van Trang “Jang Doll” wins Y Ty Golden Season 2026 42km, hits back at body shamers: “I run on my legs, not on anyone's mouth”

At the Y Ty Golden Season 2026 race held on September 6, runner Van Trang - born in 2026, based in Hanoi, nicknamed Jang Doll and a mother of four - crossed the finish line of the 42km distance in 4 hours 26 minutes. The result made her the women's champion and second overall, with only one male runner finishing ahead of her. In fact, virtually all male entrants in that distance finished behind her. The event takes place in Y Ty commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province, on a trail around Mount Lao Than, which stands 2,860 m above sea level. The 42km course has more than 1,300 m of accumulated elevation gain, steep climbs and thin mountain air. Even the winner admits that this challenge was brutal. Van Trang told reporters: “There were slopes in the 42km that nearly drained all my energy. At that moment I only focused on the next section, kept my breathing steady, managed my pace and refueled at the right time. I kept telling myself: ‘Stay calm; as long as you still have strength, you still have a chance’. This endurance comes from daily consistency and discipline. In addition to running, I do gym, swimming and supplementary workouts to build my fitness day by day.” When photos of Van Trang crossing the finish line spread, some running groups began posting disrespectful comments. Instead of talking about her performance, many people focused on her naturally large bust under the tight sports outfit. One phrase even compared her to “carrying two grapefruits while running”. A wave of criticism followed, but Van Trang refused to stay silent. The Hanoi runner hit back immediately: “Honestly, I dare anyone to carry two grapefruits while running 42km or 55km in the mountains! I run with my legs, not with my body shape. Why do you have to put me on those groups and gossip? Other people see pressure; I see it as vitamin C for my spirit. The important thing is that I still finished, and I am still healthy and happy. Judge all you want; I run on my own legs, not on the mouths of the crowd.” That line became a declaration from a mother of four who had just completed almost a marathon distance and beaten nearly every male competitor. For Van Trang, women in sport should be seen through effort and achievement, not judged by appearance. She said: “For women in sport, what deserves respect first is effort and achievement. Appearance is each person’s own story, while achievement is the result of years of training. When you see a woman on the trail, I hope you see someone trying to conquer her own limits.” Asked whether she would choose looser or more concealing clothes to avoid staring eyes, the Y Ty champion was firm: “Sports clothing must first be comfortable and safe. If I changed myself just because I was afraid of being judged, I would spend my whole life living under other people’s eyes. I choose to focus on the course and my goal. Marathon teaches me that you do not always run in perfect conditions. Life is the same. Praise makes me happy, criticism helps me review myself, and ill-intentioned words I learn to ignore.” Besides physical strength, Van Trang believes a strong mind is the key to standing firm under pressure from society and the race. Running long trails regularly not only builds muscle but also teaches her how to handle unexpected situations. “When you run trail, you accept rain, sunshine, steep climbs and even moments when you lose the path. I see negative words as a sudden slope. If you panic, you fall. If you breathe steadily and adjust your pace, every slope will pass,” she added. With her result at Y Ty, Van Trang closes a memorable season and begins preparing for bigger goals. She confirmed she will enter the VMM 70km event soon, then targets the 100km distance at the end of the year. That step will be far longer than the 42km she just completed, requiring better nutrition, sleep and recovery planning. She said: “Let results speak. I do not need to become the version other people want to see. It is enough to become a better version of myself every day.” Van Trang’s story at Y Ty Golden Season 2026 is therefore more than a medal. It raises a question about how the community views women in sports, from online prejudice to the right to wear clothes they feel comfortable in. While many female athletes suffer double pressure - finishing in good time while enduring comments about their bodies - Van Trang chooses a simpler path: run fast, finish safely and let the achievement prove what matters most. Three days after the race, the image of a small but determined woman still lingers around Mount Lao Than. She did not run to please the world. She ran for her four children, for herself and for a sporting spirit that refuses to be defeated by prejudice. The memory of Van Trang crossing the mountain, sweat on her face and joy in her eyes, will remain as a beautiful milestone of this race.