Cover For too long, endurance and an iron will have been seen as the hallmarks of masculinity in marathons and in sport. Yet in all sport, boundaries are not dictated by gender, but by the resolve to go beyond them.
For too long, endurance and an iron will have been seen as the hallmarks of masculinity in marathons and in sport. Yet in all sport, boundaries are not dictated by gender, but by the resolve to go beyond them.
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Sport has long been shaped by gender, with resilience and stamina often considered the preserve of men. Tang Nguyet Minh—the first Vietnamese woman to complete the North Pole Marathon—has proved otherwise.
Never before have women had greater opportunities to take part in sport. The playing field has expanded, from professional competitions to everyday fitness pursuits. And yet, while doors have opened, invisible barriers remain, reinforced by lingering stereotypes.
But sport is not just about scaling new heights or setting records. For many women, it is a means of striking balance—between work, life and personal responsibilities. Exercise is not only a path to better health; it is a moment to reconnect with oneself, relieve stress and recharge for the road ahead. In a world that never stops moving, sport offers a rare pause—a chance to listen to the body, nurture mental well-being and revel in the joy of movement, exploration and self-mastery.
To mark Vietnam Sports Day on 27 March, Tatler Vietnam invites you to discover the story of the first Vietnamese woman to conquer the North Pole Marathon—an inspiring tale of resilience, connection and the power of sport beyond gender.
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Sport is not just a pastime—it is a right.
Convention dictates that women should pursue gentler, more graceful activities—yoga, dance, aerobics—while sports requiring strength, endurance and tactical skill, such as football, basketball, martial arts, mountaineering or long-distance marathon running, are deemed the domain of men. Yet sport knows no borders, no limits and no exclusions.
Women should never be confined to a single role.
“Sport is for everyone—for those who seek to become a better version of themselves each day. Gender stereotypes have never shaken me. I simply play to my strengths,” affirms Tang Nguyet Minh, the first Vietnamese woman to complete the North Pole Marathon.
For her, sport—and particularly running—has offered an invaluable lesson: discipline and the ability to push beyond personal boundaries. No two runs are ever the same.
In a society that still upholds ideals of ‘virtue, grace, speech and conduct,’ many women hesitate to engage in physically demanding sports. They are scrutinised not only for their appearance and behaviour but also for their perceived capabilities.
Above Tang Nguyet Minh. Photo: Facebook / Tang Nguyet Minh
Tang Nguyet Minh. Photo: Facebook / Tang Nguyet Minh
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Yet Minh is clear in her belief:
“If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you’re right.”
“Work-life balance”: A harmonious approach to life and career
The first Vietnamese woman to conquer the North Pole Marathon is not only a professional baker and entrepreneur but also a devoted cook and an avid motorbike enthusiast. A testament to the fact that every woman has the right to define her own version of work-life balance—living, enjoying and contributing on her own terms.
Above Tang Nguyet Minh. Photo: Facebook / Tang Nguyet Minh
Above Tang Nguyet Minh. Photo: Facebook / Tang Nguyet Minh
Tang Nguyet Minh. Photo: Facebook / Tang Nguyet Minh
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In today’s world, where women juggle careers with family responsibilities, achieving true balance can feel like an impossible equation. For many, sport remains a luxury—not for lack of passion, but because unseen pressures make it difficult to carve out time for themselves.
Persistent stereotypes reinforce these challenges. A woman dedicated to her work risks being judged as neglecting her family, while prioritising personal well-being is often misconstrued as self-indulgence. Trapped in this paradox, many find themselves stretched to the limit, striving to meet expectations yet hesitant to put their own needs first.
Reflecting on this, Tang Nguyet Minh notes:
“Sport also builds independence and character. Confidence is attractive. Life has its paradoxes: in youth, we have time and health but little money; in middle age, we have money and health but no time; in old age, we have money and time but no health. To avoid wasting any stage, the key is a well-balanced plan—work hard, rest well, and make time for yourself.”
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Sport, in its essence, is not a fleeting pastime but a powerful tool for strength, resilience and self-mastery. Physical activity releases endorphins—the so-called ‘happiness hormone’—helping to relieve stress, elevate mood and enhance productivity.
Sport knows no borders, no limits, and no exclusions.
More than that, sport provides a rare moment of self-ownership, free from external roles and expectations. Learning to prioritise exercise is also an exercise in independent thinking—placing oneself at the centre of life rather than merely playing a supporting role. A strong body and a steadfast spirit form the foundation not only for balancing work and family but for defining success on one’s own terms.
For women still hesitant to embrace physical challenges, Tang Nguyet Minh offers this advice:
“If you don’t face the challenge, it will still be there. If you don’t run, someone else will cross the finish line.”
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