Athlete Chieu Linh: A decade-long journey to self-discovery on the ice

At the age of 12 (2017), I left my family and travelled alone to Australia to train professionally. My training was divided into batches, each lasting 2–3 months, after which I would return to Vietnam to study and complete my school exams. In Australia, I trained 5–7 hours a day, six days a week, which included two hours of study with a coach. My day began at 6am, covering both ice rink sessions and physical training, as well as off-ice techniques and ballet. I lived with a Russian coach, and because the house was far from the rink, I would wake up at 4am each day, return home at 8pm, and go to bed at 9pm. During breaks between training sessions, evenings, and weekends, I focused on her studies. As a figure skater, maintaining a slim figure is crucial, so I adhered to a strict diet, mainly consisting of salad, yogurt, fruit, and no rice. When in Vietnam, I studied online with a coach for an hour each day, spending the rest of the time practising on my own and working on supplementary subjects.

At the age of 18 (2022), I transitioned to training with French coach Arnaud Muccini, training in the Czech Republic and France for the ISU Junior Grand Prix in Ostrava, Czech Republic. At that time, Vietnam lacked high-level training coaches, and training trips were costly. I took full advantage of every opportunity to learn, participating in sessions organised by the International Skating Federation both in Vietnam and abroad, often with funding. I diligently took notes during each training session, setting up a camera to record my practice. I then “trained” myself, refining the movements I had learned, waiting for the next opportunity to ask questions and continue my growth.

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On the journey of finding a coach, who inspired and influenced you the most?

My two most influential coaches were Russian trainers Liudmila and Viacheslav Kutznetsov. Arriving in Australia to train professionally at just 12 years old, I was primarily guided by these two coaches. They became like second parents, providing not only professional training but also teaching me about rules, communication, and maintaining a professional style. They imparted life lessons, from cleaning the house and washing dishes to using public transport. Thanks to their strict education, I transformed from a little girl who always relied on her parents into a strong, disciplined young woman who took care of herself. Other outstanding female athletes, such as Kamila Valieva and Alena Kostornaia, as well as good classmates, also provided great inspiration for me.

What key foundation made Chieu Linh the golden girl of Vietnamese figure skating from such a young age?

I believe it was love, passion, and immense determination that allowed her to persevere throughout the demanding training process. I also credit my mother’s steadfast support. At a time when Vietnamese figure skating was still in its infancy, with no federation and an uncertain future, many relatives opposed my pursuit of the sport, but my mother stood by my side, offering both confidence and encouragement. My mother never missed a single practice session, researched information on her own, and carefully observed my movements, counting repetitions. Given the high cost of the sport, which required significant family investment, my mother took the initiative to call on other parents to help establish the Vietnam Skating Federation, enabling me and other athletes to compete internationally. Without my mother’s trust and guidance, I might have given up skating and would not be where I am today.

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What is the relationship between freedom and discipline in you?

I am highly disciplined, especially when it comes to training. No matter how tired I feel, I force myself to meet my goals, sometimes pushing myself to the point of illness or injury. However, at times, I also allow myself to be too free, acting on impulse and letting things unfold as they will. For me, discipline and freedom coexist. Discipline brings order, and when everything is in place, you can take charge of your time and plans, which, in turn, gives you more freedom.

The higher the peak, the lonelier it is. Is this true for you?

Friends often joke that I am “My Own LLC”. As an athlete, I studied abroad alone and practised in Vietnam independently. When I became the sole coach of the Vietnam Federation, I took on multiple roles, from technical expertise and strategy to managing students and developing the movement. All of this contributed to my growth, both as a person and a professional, enabling me to achieve the goals and success I had set for myself. Despite my independence, I often felt uncertain and questioned my path. Fortunately, during moments of doubt, I had teachers and close friends by my side. Veteran coaches and other athletes, who had faced similar challenges, helped remind me that I was not truly “alone”.

The ice rink is the physical space that has served as the foundation for your growth over the past decade. How did that sapling grow?

Beyond her success, I value the development of my mindset and personality. I describe this as my journey of discovering “Who am I”. Once a shy young girl without passion or clear goals, my decision to pursue professional figure skating completely transformed my life. A decade on the ice has played a crucial role in shaping my character and identity. I believe that my personal growth has been influenced by my exposure to many talented individuals, from whom I have learned valuable insights, expertise, and life lessons. The rigorous training process also allowed me to better understand myself. For me, sport is not about defeating others but about conquering oneself—every day, every hour, a new “battle” within.

This article was originally published in Tatler Vietnam, December 2024 issue.

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