You might remember the inspirational story of Bo, a 14-year-old IGCSE graduate from Hoi An International School (HAIS), who cycled 800 kilometres from Da Nang to Hanoi in 2022. Building on his older brother’s remarkable journey, Bap, a Year 9 student at HAIS, undertook an even greater challenge this summer. Braving the blazing sun, Bap cycled 1,200 kilometres from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City. He was joined by Mr Cuong, his father’s best friend, who had previously completed a trek across Vietnam on foot and cycled from Cao Bang to Ho Chi Minh City.Armed with just two sets of clothes, a reflective cycling jacket, a raincoat, and his bicycle, Bap faced the journey with unwavering grit and perseverance. His closest companion and greatest adversary were often his physical limits. The determination and resilience of both Bo and Bap truly embody this year’s theme at HAIS: “Be the best you can be.”When I met Bap at the HAIS campus, the 13-year-old with tanned skin, a testament to his recent journey, and a humble smile, spoke candidly about his motivation.“After Bo’s journey, I promised my dad that I would go farther than Bo, so my motivation is my brother, Bo,” Bap said with a smile.During the conversation, there was no intention to fake his feelings or
You might remember the inspirational story of Bo, a 14-year-old IGCSE graduate from Hoi An International School (HAIS), who cycled 800 kilometres from Da Nang to Hanoi in 2022. Building on his older brother’s remarkable journey, Bap, a Year 9 student at HAIS, undertook an even greater challenge this summer. Braving the blazing sun, Bap cycled 1,200 kilometres from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City. He was joined by Mr Cuong, his father’s best friend, who had previously completed a trek across Vietnam on foot and cycled from Cao Bang to Ho Chi Minh City.
Armed with just two sets of clothes, a reflective cycling jacket, a raincoat, and his bicycle, Bap faced the journey with unwavering grit and perseverance. His closest companion and greatest adversary were often his physical limits. The determination and resilience of both Bo and Bap truly embody this year’s theme at HAIS: “Be the best you can be.”
When I met Bap at the HAIS campus, the 13-year-old with tanned skin, a testament to his recent journey, and a humble smile, spoke candidly about his motivation.
“After Bo’s journey, I promised my dad that I would go farther than Bo, so my motivation is my brother, Bo,” Bap said with a smile.
During the conversation, there was no intention to fake his feelings or to make a grand statement. “I just wanted to reach each milestone to rest and sleep. It feels so good after riding 150 kilometres a day, then resting and enjoying a cold drink.”
In those gruelling moments, the focus often narrows to the immediate comforts that follow a long journey. Imagine being a 13-year-old, exhausted and drenched in sweat and grime, staring up at an intimidating climb, feeling every muscle in your body burning. In such demanding circumstances, seeking rest and relief becomes a powerful motivator.
