Arrow up

Warrior: Hung Nguyen

The Hybrid Athlete.

Icon of calendar 19/07/2022

Facts

Sport
Weight lifting, high intensity training and endurance sports
Specialty
Hybrid athlete training
Date of birth
19/02/1983
Nationality
Dutch

Achievements

Bio

Personal achievements: 2016 and 2017 1e place Dutch National Physique Championship. 2017 6th place World Physique Championship.

Meet Hung Nguyen: the absolute definition of an hybrid athlete. No. 1 at the Dutch National Physique Championship and 6th at the World Physique Championship. Besides training two times a day, he manages to build a successful company and being a true family man. Is there something this man can’t do? Beyond a doubt, but we haven’t found out what it is yet.

Who or what inspired you to become an athlete?

At a very young age I was inspired by great athletes like Ronaldo de Lima, Mike Tyson, Pete Sampras and Michael Jordan. Because they are the best in what they do and I always wanted to be the best in what I do.

When did you first realize that you were talented and wanted to be an athlete? What made you choose to pursue that talent?

Football was the passion that got me into sport. Bodybuilding was what created the discipline, resilience and will power. I believe in talent, but what more important is what you believe about yourself and the choices you made. I use this now for other sports, in life and business. So, I believe in hard work over talent.

What sports performance are you most proud of?

Dutch Physique Champion 2017. I year with a lot of obstacles. My father died because of cancer, my youngest daughter was born. I started a new company. It was a really challenging year not only in sport but also in life. Becoming Dutch champion for the second time and defending my title was emotional after everything. Of course, there are more performances that I’m proud of, but this was the breakthrough that I will never forget.

What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

In 2020 I had a torn Achilles heel tendon. It took while to recover properly, both physical and mentally. Often, I ask myself if I can get back fully again. Step by step and together with my physio I picked up my rehabilitation really well. It took me nine months to get back, and after 12 months I ran a full marathon, did a half distance triathlon and climbed the highest mountain of Africa.

Which sports person is a true warrior (hero) to you?

There are lot, but I like athletes who’s inspire not only in sport but also in life. How they live their life and contribute to the society. The ones who really make impact and being a good example for others.
 
Eliud Kipchoge, Alex Honnold, Khabib and Lionel Messi, because of his humbleness. 


What do you think is the key to becoming a successful athlete?

Besides having the right mindset (believing in yourself, having goals and focus), hard work and consistency, it’s necessary to have a good coach. Surround yourself with like-minded positive people and environment.
 
What was the best advice you were ever given in your sports career?

Always believe in yourself. Set big goals and enjoy the journey.

Can you describe to us your current training schedule? What do you do in your training that you think is key to your success?

Monday – Friday: 45 min full-body weight training. Mostly functional fitness or heavy weightlifting, and sometimes CrossFit. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday: running and a combination between recovery run, tempo run and interval training.
Tuesday and Sunday: biking (1,5 – 3 hours). Besides that, i swim once or twice a week, but that depends on my schedule really.


What are your favorite exercises and best training tips?

I love the basic exercises like deadlifting, squats, bench- and shoulder-press, pull ups. I think it is the fundamental for me. I combine this with conditioning training like running and biking a lot. I feel fitter, my performance is better and less injury. 

What kind of diet do you prefer & do you always eat healthy food? How important is this to you as an athlete? Do you use supplements?

My parents are from Vietnam and the Vietnamese food is mostly healthy. In the period of my fitness and especially the period of my bodybuilding competitions I have followed al kind of diets. I always prefer high protein and low carbs. It works for me. Nowadays I still eat healthy for like most of the time. If I have to give it in percentage it’s like 90%-10%. I sport every day and I know how important food is for your performance and recovery.
 
Before, when I did bodybuilding, I use a lot of supplements. But when I start doing cardio training I use electrolyte, gels and sometimes protein shakes. 


What sacrifices you made did you think were the hardest to make in your career in sports? How do did you stay motivated?

The time and money I’ve investment are by far the most substantial. But what I get in return cannot be described in words. My health, the confidence, the energy, the happiness and my overall wellbeing.

If you could choose another sport to be great at, what would it be?

Ironman triathlon and Running (trail and road). I already start doing all this and I really love it. The other sport that I just discover last year is mountain climbing. I love outdoor sport in the nature. It is all about mindset, performance and also personal and spiritual growth. Challenging yourself become better not only in sport, but also in life.

Do you have a favorite workout song/playlist or mantra? 

I don’t listen to music when I sport. I love the sound of nature!

What are your goals for the coming year? Any other interesting future plans that we should know?

I have a lot actually, and I believe will do all of them. So, a full 140.6 Ironman, an Ultra Trail Marathon +100k, Biggest mountain of every continent (7 summits).

Where do you picture yourself in 15 years, and what have you accomplished by then? Choose your words wisely, because we’ll hold you to it.

I’d like to see that I achieved all my goals, and once I ticked those of my list then set new ones. Also, I’d like to see myself maintaining the active lifestyle I have and need.  Lastly: ‘growing’ every day.

Photos

1/1
victus.team