• Society

Athletes Running Against Nature Win Supporters’ Hearts

• By Meng Seavmey
• May 11, 2023 5:12 PM

PHNOM PENH – Cambodian runners touched the hearts of national and international audiences for not giving up despite torrential rain in the women’s 5,000m race at the SEA Games.

One of them, Bou Samnang, said she felt happy afterwards despite not winning a medal because she was running for Cambodia and for all Cambodians. 

“I’m also feeling excited to see that the people are showing their support for our athletes,” she said on May 10, two days after the race at Morodok Techo National Stadium.

Fellow runner Run Romdoul, who crossed the line earlier than Samnang, said she felt happy too because she made her dream of running for the country come true.

Romdoul finished in 21.22 minutes, while Samnang made it over the line in 22.54 minutes.

Both came last, nearly six minutes after the winner. They kept running until the end though they knew they had lost.

Samnang broke down in tears after crossing the line, putting her palms together to show her gratitude to supporters.

Video of her running alone went viral on social media, touching the hearts of national and international supporters, journalists and even Prime Minister Hun Sen.

“Bou Samnang did not win the gold medal, but she won the hearts of supporters,” one Facebook user said.

“Although I knew I had lost and it was raining, I was determined to cross the line. I heard the loud cheering from the supporters, so I aimed to finish the race and not give up,” Samnang said.

“During the race, the athletes could decide whether to continue or to give up. However, I did not give up and chose to finish the race because our Cambodian fans were cheering for me. It was the reason I had to finish.”

It was the same for Romdoul. “I would not give up because my brothers were cheering during the race. I told myself that I could make it,” she said.

When it started raining, Samnang wondered why the supporters were still cheering for her even though she had lost. With their support, both athletes were determined to finish, no matter what.



Running against nature

Strong wind was another challenge. “The heavy rain and the wind blew small things and dust into our eyes or even mouth when we were running. That was also a problem,” they said.

Romdoul and Samnang said the spirit of being athletes meant they should never give up, regardless of hot weather or heavy rain.

To Samnang, sport means much more than winning and losing.

“I ran for the country and for all Cambodian people. It means so much to me. That was why I did not give up no matter at what cost,” she said.

Samnang and Romdoul, as representatives of Cambodia, thanked all the supporters who cheered for them at the stadium as well as those who watched and supported them on social media and television.