With a career that includes eight gold medals from five consecutive SEA Games and notable achievements on the Asian stage, Vu Thanh An has firmly established himself as a leading fencer and a source of pride for both Vietnamese and southeast Asian sports.

With a career that includes eight gold medals from five consecutive SEA Games and notable achievements on the Asian stage, Vu Thanh An has firmly established himself as a leading fencer and a source of pride for both Vietnamese and southeast Asian sports.

For years, Vu Thanh An has been recognized as the top fencer in both Vietnam and Southeast Asia, boasting an impressive international medal record that any athlete would dream of. His accomplishments include a gold medal at the U-23 Asian Fencing Championships, eight gold medals from five consecutive SEA Games, two bronze medals at the Asian Games, and a top 15 finish at the 2016 Olympics, among others.

Thanh An outpaced his opponent Srinualnad Voragun from Thailand, successfully defending his gold medal in the men’s sabre individual event at SEA Games 31. .

 

An raised the national flag after successfully defending his gold medal in the men’s individual sabre event at SEA Games 31. 

An's exceptional track record, combined with his calm demeanor and striking appearance, has made him a natural choice to carry the flag for the Vietnamese sports delegation at various major events, including the Rio 2016 Olympics, the 2018 Asian Games, and the 29th, 30th, and 31st SEA Games.

An’s journey into fencing, a relatively new sport in Vietnam at the time, began almost by chance. Initially, he saw fencing as a casual hobby. However, after a year of training, he discovered that this sport was his true passion. Reflecting on his early experiences, An recalled the unique sensation that comes with every victory and defeat, a feeling that drew him deeper into the sport.

At 15, like many young athletes, An was eager for success and immediate results. However, when his expectations weren’t met, he considered giving up. This led him to briefly leave the national team. But after some time, his coach invited him back. Recognizing that his passion for fencing still burned brightly, An returned with a more mature mindset, understanding that success takes time and persistence. His growth as an athlete was evident when, at just 19 years old, An defeated a German fencer who had previously won an Olympic bronze medal.

The team sabre athletes won the gold medal at the 31st SEA Games.

For An, fencing is more than just a path to glory; it’s a journey of personal growth. The sport has taught him patience, resilience, and the importance of discipline. In fencing, athletes must continually challenge themselves and push beyond their own limits. This ongoing pursuit of improvement instills a deep sense of discipline and determination.

The fencer believes that in fencing, no two fencers are alike, even if they share the same coach. Each fencer must be adaptable, using general principles to develop their own unique strategies. This adaptability in fencing has also equipped An with the tools to face different challenges in his life.

He draws inspiration from the words of a famous Japanese swordsman who once said, “Zen and the art of swordsmanship are one; both lead to the elimination of the ego.” For Vu Thanh An, fencing is a daily practice of mental and intellectual growth.

An continues to train diligently every day.

In late 2023, driven by his passion for the sport and a desire to share its benefits, Vu Thanh An established the Vietnam Fencing Club, the country’s first community-based fencing organization. His goal is to make fencing more accessible and popularize the sport, which has traditionally been associated with the aristocracy. Through the club, he aims to help individuals develop and improve themselves by embracing the sport of fencing.

At a training course with An.

 

Story: Thao Vy Photos: Thanh Giang/VNP Translated by Nguyen Tuoi