Thai Anh Thu, born in 2001, once spent 10 years pursuing a professional athletic career. But a bold decision to switch paths led her to the top of her graduating class at the Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine.

Thu was recently named valedictorian of her class and chosen as the school’s representative for the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Ceremony at the Temple of Literature. Few would guess that before entering medical school, she had spent a decade as a competitive athlete.

A decade of dedication to professional sports

z6948098702054_2cb719254573a5da7519c30747c074a7.jpg

Thai Anh Thu was valedictorian at the Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine. Photo: provided by subject

Thu’s journey began in second grade, when a coach discovered her talent and recruited her for Hanoi’s gymnastics team. “At first, my parents agreed to let me join mainly to improve my physical health. No one expected I would stick with it for so long,” she recalled.

From grade 2 to 12, Thu studied at Hanoi’s School for Gifted Students in Sports. She trained during the day and studied academics at night in the school dormitory. “Classes were often combined due to low student numbers, and sometimes we studied on folding tables placed right on our beds. Our school day often ended at 9:30 p.m.,” she said.

Despite competing and training both nationally and internationally, she always made up for missed classes and exams. The intense environment instilled in her a strong sense of discipline and resilience.

In 2010, when gymnastics underwent some restructuring, a diving coach invited Thu and her brother to switch disciplines, recognizing their strength and technique. They agreed, but by grade 7, Thu pivoted again - this time to competitive swimming.

Throughout her athletic career, she participated in numerous national youth competitions, including gymnastics, diving, and swimming.

From poolside to medical school

z6948114045237_85d95a38e3dd4d59516a087711da4e9f.jpg

Thu first entered the world of sports as a second-grade student. Photo: provided by subject

In 11th grade, Thu began to question the long-term future of her sports career. She believed she had strong academic potential and became drawn to the field of traditional medicine. While her family supported her decision, they couldn’t hide their disappointment - both her older siblings were also athletes, with two on the Hanoi national swim team and another in diving.

Her choice to change direction so close to the national high school graduation exam came with many risks. Most of her classmates prepared for exams in social sciences, which made it easier to pass. Thu, on the other hand, pursued the natural sciences track - a rare move in her school.

“It was a difficult decision. Even my teachers advised me to reconsider. They worried I wouldn’t be able to cover the necessary knowledge in time to score high enough for medical school,” she said.

Nevertheless, Thu received strong support from her physics and chemistry teachers. “They reminded me to focus on mastering the basics first and avoid mistakes on easy questions. Their guidance was invaluable,” she added.

She also coordinated her training schedule with school and tutoring sessions, ensuring she had enough time for self-study.

Thanks to her dedication, Thu passed the university entrance exam in 2019 with a score of 22.8 in block B00 and was accepted into the Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine.

z6948098720359_a7875f3c5108ebab900020d90dcc048c.jpg
Thu maintained her discipline throughout six years of rigorous medical study. Photo: provided by subject.

Studying traditional medicine proved extremely challenging, requiring knowledge of both Western medicine and traditional theories like yin-yang, the five elements, acupuncture points, and herbal treatments. Thu said the key was to stay focused during lectures and review materials at home consistently.

Clinical rotations were also vital for learning - allowing her to handle medicinal herbs, locate acupuncture points, and practice diagnostic skills on real patients.

Beyond academics, Thu was active in extracurriculars. She won third prize in the Northern Regional English Olympiad, a gold medal in the academy's sports competition, and earned a level 3 HSK Chinese certificate.

Though her former classmates continued their athletic careers or became coaches, Thu has no regrets. “I believe careers choose people. Sports gave me valuable skills, but I feel this path suits me better. I hope to qualify for a residency and contribute to the traditional medicine field,” she said.

Thuy Nga