Phnom Penh witnessed the rise of a brand new native hero, Bou Samnang. The 20 yr previous Cambodian runner gained fame throughout the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, significantly for her efficiency within the 5,000-metre occasion. Regardless of ending final, her willpower to finish the race in heavy rain endeared her to the nation, and she or he even obtained reward from Prime Minister Hun Sen. Movies of her tearful end unfold quickly on-line, making her an in a single day sensation.
As Bou Samnang basked in her newfound fame on the Morodok Techo Stadium, she was approached by passersby desperate to take photos. She says that though she misplaced, they nonetheless assist her wholeheartedly. It’s been an extended journey for Bou, who used to coach on ill-equipped grime tracks and has confronted quite a few struggles, together with well being issues and the lack of her father, AFP reported.
Regardless of being anaemic and feeling weak, Bou refused to desert the race for the sake of her nation, pushing herself to the restrict. Although the race was received by Vietnam’s Thi Oanh Nguyen, an achieved athlete from the area, it was Bou’s persistent spirit that finally captured hearts. Ending just below six minutes after Oanh, Bou credited her willpower for her viral fame, saying she needed to reveal that regardless of how gradual or quick we go, we are going to nonetheless attain our vacation spot so long as we don’t quit.
Cambodia’s internet hosting of the SEA Video games is a major milestone for the nation, which has a tumultuous historical past. In recent times, the federal government has made efforts to advertise and fund sports activities, particularly because the Video games approached. Moved by Bou’s perseverance, a number of officers and organisations have awarded her with monetary bonuses, together with a US$10,000 reward from Hun Sen, to encourage her to proceed pushing ahead.
Bou plans to make use of the cash to assist her household, repay her mom’s money owed, and pursue her training. She intends to enrol in college this yr to check IT and legislation whereas sustaining her athletic profession. With gives of scholarships from quite a few establishments, Bou is already setting her sito subsequent SEA Video games in Thailand. She pledges to attempt her finest in any upcoming occasions to be able to carry additional glory to her nation and her supporters.