SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

Zachary Keomysay: The art of storytelling

Zachary Keomysay, better known as Keymo, left his childhoodhome in Nebraska chasing a dream in Los Angeles. While his vision of dancing on the big screen didn’t unfold as planned, the journey led him to something even more powerful: storytelling. Drawing from his ancient roots in Laos and his upbringing n the great plains of America, Keymo weaves purpose and identity into every story, creating scenes rich with memory, meaning, and nostalgia. Keymo is a Lao-American creative with 30INTHEMORNING*. Born and raised in Grand Island, Nebraska and now resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Eileen and dog, Ella. He comes from a diverse background in theater, dance, music, and live stage/event production. He enjoys documenting key moments and tries to recreate the feeling of nostalgia in his work. He and his team are crowdfunding production costs for their anticipated short film, PUMA" starring Izaac Wang. “PUMA” is a coming-of-age story about a 2nd generation Lao-American teen wrestling with identity, body dysmorphia, and belonging in a rural immigrant community in Nebraska.  https://www.youtube.com/@30INTHEMORNING https://www.instagram.com/key_mo/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/30inthemorning/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/30inthemorning/?hl=en] Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

Jonathan Sirisackda: Lao Esports Federations

When Jonathan Sirisackda was sent to America as a child, his parents hoped he would master math, science, and English at the Elgin Academy. But the lessons that would really shape his destiny came from an unexpected source — video games. What began as a pastime became a purpose and today, Jonathan is channeling his passion to empower a new generation of Lao athletes. As the founder of the Lao Esports Federation, he helped lead his country to into competition, including a historic bronze medal at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia. Jonathan is not just redefining what it means to be a gamer — he’s transforming a once-dismissed obsession into a movement, a career, and a global adventure. Jonathan Sirisackda is the founder and president of the Lao Esports Federation. https://www.facebook.com/LaoeSportsFederation Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

Lalida Maokhamphiou: Marathon Runner

For many, running is more than a sport—it’s a sanctuary, a space where life’s challenges are met one stride at a time. For Lalida Maokhamphiou, that couldn’t be more true. What began as a way to cope with life’s challenges quickly transformed into a lifelong passion. The roads that were once an escape soon became a second home. Lalida rose in the sport. becoming a standout high school track star and an accomplished NCAA Division I runner, but one of her most personal triumphs came at the 2025 Boston Marathon, where she broke the three-hour barrier for the first time. Along the way, she’s discovered that every mile holds a life lesson—and now, as a high school running coach, she’s dedicated to passing that wisdom on to the next generation. Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

Haidon Vongsaravanhlao Allen: Professional Boxer

Sometimes, the hardest hits in life don’t come from an opponent’s punch—they come from our own self-doubts. Haidon Allen was climbing the ranks in amateur boxing when he stepped into the ring with one of the world’s top 25 fighters. He left that match humbled, questioning everything, and ready to throw in the towel. From youth baseball to high school football, Division 1 wrestling to MMA, he had always been chasing the best version of himself. Haidon had once before almost allowed his athletic journey to be defined by giving up and it wasn’t going to happen again. So what made him step back into the ring after that crushing defeat? The unwavering support of his biggest fans, his family. Haidon Vongsarvanhlao is a professional boxer from St, Helens, Oregon. https://www.laoamericansports.com/haidon-allen https://www.instagram.com/official_haidonallen/ https://www.facebook.com/haidon.allen Music: summer of 1984 by RKVC

Mason Bannavong: Journey to Physical and Mental Health

Mason Bannavong seemed to have it all — a college degree, peak physical fitness, and a dream job in the bustling city of Dallas. But life took a sudden turn, leaving him broke, unemployed, and back in his hometown of Amarillo, Texas. Hitting rock bottom might have seemed like the end but for Mason, it became the solid foundation he needed to rebuild upon. With the support of his family, newfound confidence, and an enduring passion for fitness, he carved out a name for himself in the fitness and powerlifting communities. Now, as a personal trainer, Mason empowers others to strengthen not just their bodies, but their minds and spirits. www.instagram.com/teamso1training/ open.spotify.com/show/1moR4n7yVyVZB22xemY0Zn?si=e2934be2e52d49d5 www.facebook.com/mbannavong28/ Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC