Tiếng ViệtAt just 16 years old, Vovinam martial artist Bùi Thị Lê Thúy (born in 2009) made a remarkable impression on the national stage by winning 3 Gold Medals at the National Youth Vovinam Championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025. What makes her journey even more special are the inspiring and surprising stories behind her achievements, leaving both coaches and fans in awe.
One Gold Medal – Ten Rounds of Combat
We met Bùi Thị Lê Thúy at the Provincial Center for Training and Sports Competition shortly after she brought home a prestigious Gold Medal at the 2025 National Youth Vovinam Championship, which concluded on June 24.
Despite just completing a grueling competition, she immediately returned to training with her teammates upon arriving back in Nghệ An. At first glance, Thúy appears shy and reserved. However, once she steps into the training arena—especially during sparring sessions—a completely different Thúy emerges: strong, proactive, and full of confidence.
Photo caption: Vovinam martial artist Bùi Thị Lê Thúy (born 2009, center) in a sparring session with teammates and coach. Photo: Thanh Quỳnh
Coach Phan Thị Huyền, who has been training Thúy for many years, shared that Thúy is a surprising student—not because she stood out from the beginning, but due to her persistence, endurance, and clear progress through each training phase and competition.
| “Thúy’s final match at the 2025 National Youth Vovinam Championship left a strong impression on many. It’s rare to see a final extend to 10 rounds before a winner is decided.” — Coach Phan Thị Huyền, Provincial Center for Training and Sports Competition, Nghệ An |
Specifically, Thúy had to endure 3 main rounds and 7 additional extra rounds. Her opponent was an athlete from Thanh Hóa, the same person who had defeated her in the final of the Central–Central Highlands Vovinam Championship just over a month earlier.
That loss was a disappointment, but it became a motivation for Thúy to train harder and prepare thoroughly for the rematch. She entered this competition with composure and maintained her form until the final moment.
The match ended with a decisive score thanks to a straight punch—one of Thúy’s signature techniques—which secured her the Gold Medal. This victory was a grueling test of both physical and mental endurance, as she had to withstand immense pressure through 10 tense rounds.
Photo caption: The Gold Medal Bùi Thị Lê Thúy won after 10 rounds at the 2025 National Youth Vovinam Championship. Photo: Provided by character
Through training and competition, Thúy has shown strengths in hand techniques, especially the straight punch, backhand strike, and leg-catching throws. These techniques require not only quick reflexes but also precision and decisiveness.
At the 2024 National Youth Vovinam Championship, Thúy also had a memorable moment when her final went into a 4th round after the 3 official ones. In the crucial moment, she delivered an impressive spinning kick—a difficult move requiring coordination between hip flexibility, body balance, and precise timing. She executed it flawlessly and brought home another Gold Medal for the Nghệ An team.
Continuing the Dream
Bùi Thị Lê Thúy was born in 2009 in a farming family from the former Anh Sơn district in the mountainous region. As the second of three siblings, she is the only one pursuing a professional sports career.
Her journey with Vovinam began in the summer of sixth grade. During a talent scouting trip organized by the Provincial Center for Training and Sports Competition, coach Trần Trọng Cường went directly to Anh Sơn to find new talent. After rigorous tests such as high jumps, sprints, push-ups, abdominal strength, and flexibility, he selected Thúy—a small, agile girl with good endurance and quick reflexes.
Leaving her hometown at a very young age, Thúy had to adapt to life away from her parents and familiar school, starting a strict training regimen in a professional environment. Though homesick, she never once asked to return.
Photo caption: Vovinam martial artist Bùi Thị Lê Thúy (born 2009, fourth from left) with teammates and coach at the Nghệ An Provincial Training and Competition Center. Photo: Thanh Quỳnh
Living up to the expectations of both her family and coaching staff, Thúy quickly adapted to the training intensity and proved her talent. What earns her respect from coaches and peers is her disciplined and serious training spirit. “Even when she was sick, she still asked to train. Unless she was seriously injured, she never missed a session,” said Coach Phan Thị Huyền emotionally.
Thanks to that dedication, in addition to her 3 National Gold Medals, Thúy has also left her mark at regional competitions. In 2024, at just 15, she won a Gold Medal at the Central–Central Highlands Vovinam Championship. In 2025, she returned to the finals at the same event and earned a Silver Medal—a commendable achievement in a tournament featuring hundreds of talented young athletes.
Photo caption: Bùi Thị Lê Thúy (born 2009) has won 3 Gold Medals at the National Youth Vovinam Championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Photo: Provided by athlete
Thúy’s next goal is to compete at the National Sports Games in 2026—by then, she will be 17 years old, meeting the age requirement. With her current achievements, the coaching team believes Thúy will continue to maintain her form, compete with confidence, and achieve results worthy of her years of effort.
By Thanh Quỳnh – Nghệ An Newspaper