Who Is Bou Samnang? Cambodian Runner Loses Race But Wins Hearts

During a downpour during the Southeast Asian Games, a Cambodian athlete named Bou Samnang earned a special place in the hearts of people after she endured the pouring rain and refused to give up. Even though she came last in the women's 5,000 meters, however, in the end, she was bestowed with a prize of 10,000 dollars (8 lakh rupees).

Nearly six minutes behind the winner of the race on Monday, the runner, Bou Samnang, sobbed as she crossed the finish line in the rain. The audience, which inculcated the esteemed members of the International Olympic Committee, cheered and ">applauded the drenched runner as she crossed the finish line in a time of 22:54.

Samnang hoisted the Cambodian flag and lifted her hands while demonstrating gratitude to the onlookers after the race.

The Vietnamese winner of the race, Nguyen Thi Oanh had completed the race approximately 5 minutes before the rain accelerated.

Bou Samnang Loses Race But Wins Hearts

Samnang was moved to tears after the audience cheered when she crossed the finish line, drenched in rain. Videos of her crying after finishing the race went viral.

Despite the heavy rain, she decided to keep running as it was her duty to represent Cambodia.

As per reports, Samnang has long suffered from anaemia and was feeling weak on the day of the big race. Despite the heavy rain and health issues, she persisted and won the hearts of everyone who saw her performance.

Khieu Kanharith, Ministry of Information felicitated Bou Samnang for not giving up during heavy downpours and rewarded her resilience and determination. Further, she received a bonus of 250 dollars (20,000 rupees) from Cambodian Minister Khieu.

Hun Sen, the prime minister of Cambodia, announced in a statement that he would be giving the runner 10,000 dollars in appreciation for her incredible willpower. He declared he wanted to award the athlete to inspire tenacity.

Sen said in a statement, "The noteworthy tale is that runner Bou Samnang sprinted in the rain till the finishing line even though she did not place." Even the King of Cambodia praised Samnang, stating that "sport is more than winning and losing."

Samnang now is the epitome of perseverance for many and inspired millions of people watching her. As per Sen, life is a race and one has to hustle despite the obstacles and hurdles. One may never know when the right opportunity knocks on their door and rewards the toil which has been made by them in the past.

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