SEA Games 2023: Rain-soaked Cambodian runner gets $10,000 bonus from PM
Cambodia’s Bou Samnang in action during the women’s 5000m final in the Southeast Asian Games athletics competition at Morodok Techo National Stadium, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
A Cambodian runner who captured hearts with a spirited last-placed finish in heavy rain was awarded $10,000 by Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday.
The Cambodian leader said he was rewarding Southeast Asian Games athlete Bou Samnang “to encourage perseverance”.
A soaked Bou Samnang broke down in tears after crossing the finish line in the 5,000m all alone on Monday nearly six minutes after the race winner.
Her resolve made her the toast of SEA Games Games host Cambodia and footage of her wet, lonely run to the line was shown at home and overseas.
Hun Sen, currently attending a regional summit in Indonesia, added to the outpouring of admiration.
“The interesting story is that runner Bou Samnang ran in the rain until the finishing line although she did not place (in the medals),” he wrote in a statement.
Even if you're in last place. 🏃
Even if the weather is terrible. 🌧️
Even if it feels like you can't do it. 🚫𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙪𝙥 💪
Nothing was going to stop Cambodia's Bou Samnang 🇰🇭 from finishing the women's 5,000 metre race at the #SEAGames. pic.twitter.com/iVMxwqVrFQ
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) May 9, 2023
“To encourage perseverance, I and my wife donate $10,000 to her.”
The average worker earns about $10 a day in Cambodia.
The winner, Vietnamese athletics star Nguyen Thi Oanh, had already finished the race, five minutes and 54 seconds earlier.
The second-last-placed competitor, the aptly named Run Romdul, was also from Cambodia.
“Although you lost, you won the hearts of Cambodia,” wrote Facebook user Mao Vanthan.
Another user, Chanphal Ngy, was equally effusive: “We dropped tears with you… You will be successful in life as your wishes.”
“Your resilience is a true inspiration to all of us,” chimed in Kong Dara.
“Your commitment to pushing through the challenges, maintaining a positive attitude, and never giving up on yourself is a testament to your strength and character.
“You may not have won the race, but you have won our admiration and respect for your unwavering spirit.”
She also won a $250 bonus from information minister Khieu Kanharith, according to a ministry official.
The SEA Games in the capital Phnom Penh end on May 17.
