Van Trang – Jang Doll answers with her feet: Top female in Y Ty 42km, 2nd overall

At the finish line on the misty peak of Lao Than, a female runner sprinted through the tape. The official clock stopped at 4 hours 26 minutes. Van Trang, nicknamed Jang Doll, had just finished first among women in the 42km distance at the Y Ty Mua Vang 2026 race. Not stopping there, she also overtook nearly all male runners to finish second overall, losing out to just one man. The achievement becomes even more remarkable because this woman is a 34-year-old mother of four from Hanoi. However, Van Trang's story did not end with her podium finish. After stepping down from the award ceremony, she became the target of body-shaming comments in several running groups online. Instead of celebrating her achievement, some focused on her bust in the tight sports outfit, even using vulgar comparisons. The online harassment was real, but Van Trang chose to respond with composure and dignity. The road to Lao Than's summit Y Ty Mua Vang 2026 took place on September 6 in Lao Cai province, known as the rooftop of Northwest Vietnam. The 42km trail course had more than 1,300 meters of positive elevation gain, with steep climbs and challenging terrain. Reaching the Lao Than peak at 2,860 meters above sea level was a real test of endurance and mental strength. Van Trang said the key was to stay calm, control breathing, and manage energy carefully. 'I just focused on the next section of road,' she shared. That strategic mindset helped her finish strong and make history. Running with legs, not mouths Her response to body shaming was swift and powerful. Van Trang declared: 'I dare anyone to carry two grapefruits and run 42km or 55km in the mountains! I run with my legs, not with my appearance. I see pressure as extra vitamin C for my spirit. I still finished, and I am happy and healthy. Judge me if you want, I keep running my own path, not following the mouths of others.' Her words resonated deeply. In endurance sports, achievement comes from thousands of hours of training, not from physical looks. Van Trang combines running with gym workouts and swimming to build her strength. She emphasized that women in sports should first be recognized for their effort and performance. 'When you see a woman on the race course, look at her struggling to conquer her own limits,' she said. Future goals: VMM 70km and then 100km After the glory at Lao Than, Van Trang has already set her next milestone: the VMM 70km ultra trail race, followed by a 100km run by the end of the year. Those distances require not only physical strength but also deep mental fortitude. Her story proves that sports achievement is the ultimate answer to all doubters. As she said: 'Let achievement speak. I do not need to become the version others want to see. I only need to become a better version of myself every day.'