In our Humans of HAIS series, we often highlight the remarkable talents of our leadership staff and teachers – individuals who truly deserve recognition. But in this latest edition, we’d like to shift the spotlight to those who find peace in the pace and how their dedication inspires us all.

At Hoi An International School, we believe that true sportsmanship goes beyond the athletic field, it shapes the way we approach life, face challenges and grow personally. Our commitment to fostering a culture of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience is reflected not only in our students but also in our staff and leadership team. In this article, we highlight the inspiring stories of three exceptional individuals who exemplify this spirit: our Founder, Ms. Hanh An; our Head of Administration, Ms. Hien; and Mr. Huy, one of our dedicated staff members.

Leading with Endurance: Ms. Hanh An

As the visionary leader of HAIS, Ms. Hạnh An leads by example. Her passion for sports goes beyond personal achievements; it’s an inspiration for others to push beyond their limits and embrace challenges with courage.

Having trained and participated in many major races, marathons and trail runs around the world, Ms. Hạnh An is a true embodiment of perseverance and strength. As recent as a few months ago, she participated in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), one of the world’s most grueling ultramarathons.

“UTMB is known for its tough conditions, especially during the extreme weather. The trail is full of steep cliffs, slippery mud, and unpredictable rain. But the sense of accomplishment after completing such a challenge was amazing. No picture or words can fully describe how tough it was or how beautiful the journey felt”.

When asked about her experiences during the race, she continues:

“Many people would ask: ‘Why put yourself through this?’ even I wonder sometimes during the journey: ‘Why am I on this hard ride?’ Well, it’s because it’s an amazing experience – escaping and connecting with nature. It’s about conquering and exploring. It’s about discovering yourself and pushing your own limits. It’s about breaking boundaries, training not just your body, but also your mind and your spirit. I remember what the MC said before the countdown: ‘You all chose to do this, right?’ And many athletes shouted back: ‘YES!‘ Because yes, this is a race against yourself to break your own limit. Each of us has to be very well prepared. From the essentials, to nutrition, to the course layout, and getting into the right mindset to tackle every challenge.”

For Ms. Hanh An, sports aren’t just a physical endeavor—they’re a powerful metaphor for the journey of life. Her personal commitment to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle encourages everyone in our community to embrace sportsmanship in all aspects of their lives.

Running with Purpose: Ms. Hien

Another shining example of sportsmanship is our Head of Administration, Ms. Hien, who has been an avid runner for years. Her journey in sports reflects a deep commitment to self-improvement and well-being and she is a great role model of our school’s values of adatability and resilience.

She recalls her first trail race, the Vietnam Mountain Marathon with a 10 km distance:

“Running through nature, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and meeting the locals along the way, was such a rewarding experience. It gave me the energy to keep challenging myself and to gradually increase my race distances, from 10 km to 50-55-75 km events like the Da Lat Ultra Trail and Prenn Trail Challenge.”

For Hien, running isn’t just an activity—it’s a way of life. She explains:

“Sometimes, all you need is a good pair of shoes, comfortable clothes and the discipline to not give up. This accessibility makes running an activity that anyone can participate in, regardless of location, age, or gender. My goal this year is to finish a Full Marathon. It will take dedication, but I’m ready for the challenge.“

Hien’s dedication to running serves as a powerful reminder that sports are not just about competition but about personal growth, discipline and setting new goals. As a leader within our school, she continues to inspire everyone to embrace a lifestyle of health and fitness, encouraging us all to pursue our own challenges with the same level of commitment and enthusiasm.

Pushing the Limits: Mr. Huy

Not only our leadership team, but our staff member, Mr. Huy, is also very passionate about sports. If you have ever met him on campus, you would likely be struck by his hard-working and disciplined nature. Yet, he is also a great example of how sports can shape personal growth. His impressive achievements in cross-country and marathon races are a testament to his determination and love for running.

Over the years, Huy has earned numerous accolades, notably: first place in the Hoi An Cross-Country Championship, a top-five finish in the Vientiane International Marathon, first place in the Quang Nam Cross-Country Championship, and most recently, third place in his age group at the Tien Phong National Marathon Championships.

Mr. Huy’s dedication to sports, despite his demanding work schedule, serves as a powerful reminder that passion and commitment can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. He continually pushes the limits of his own potential, motivating those around him to do the same.

The inspiring stories of Ms. Hanh An, Ms. Hien, and Mr. Huy reflect the core values of HAIS—resilience, adaptability and a commitment to personal growth.

With an increasing emphasis on sports activities within the school, we hope to inspire all members of our community to embrace the benefits of exercise and sportsmanship. By doing so, we aim to foster a stronger sense of camaraderie, enhance our well-being, and build a foundation of discipline and excellence for everyone—students, staff, and leadership alike.