Van Trang hits back at body shamers after 42km Y Ty win: 'I run with my legs, not with people's mouths'

At the 2026 Y Ty Mui Vang trail race, Van Trang, a female runner also known as Jang Doll, produced one of the most memorable performances in Vietnam's trail running scene. On the morning of September 6, 2026, she finished the 42km distance in 4 hours 26 minutes at Y Ty commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province. She not only became the first woman to finish the 42km category, but also ranked second overall behind only one male runner. Almost all other men on the course finished behind her. Rather than celebrating her achievement, a section of online commenters turned their attention to her body shape. Some made crude comments about her chest and suggested she was carrying two pomelos while running. Van Trang, born in 2026, a mother of four living in Hanoi, refused to stay silent. She responded directly: “I dare anyone to carry two pomelos and run 42km or 55km on a mountain course! I run with my legs, not with my appearance.” Van Trang explained that her performance was built on consistent training, gym sessions, swimming and supplementary exercises. The 42km route had more than 1,300 meters of cumulative climbing and reached an altitude of 2,860 meters. She said she overcame moments of energy depletion by focusing on each section, controlling her breathing and pacing herself. The race took place on September 6, 2026 in Lao Cai province. The altitude and steep terrain made it one of the most demanding courses in Vietnam. Van Trang, known by her nickname Jang Doll, was the top female finisher and finished second overall in 4 hours 26 minutes. Her time was even more significant because she is a mother of four who trains without a professional sports structure behind her. When asked whether she would change her sportswear to avoid being stared at, Van Trang rejected the idea. She said sportswear must first be comfortable and safe. She stressed that changing herself out of fear of gossip would mean living under other people's gaze forever. She instead chose to focus on the race and her personal goals. Her response sparked a larger conversation about body shaming in Vietnamese sport. Many runners and fans condemned the comments and defended Van Trang's right to wear suitable training gear. The discourse highlighted a double standard: while men are judged by speed and endurance, female athletes often face additional judgments about their bodies, clothing and appearance. Van Trang's next targets are the Vietnam Mountain Marathon 70km race and then a 100km event later in the year. She said achievements should speak first, adding that she does not need to become a version of herself that others want to see. She only wants to become a better version of herself each day.