Mirabai Chanu: Olympic Medalist's Relentless Pursuit of Weightlifting Excellence

Mirabai Chanu, India’s celebrated weightlifter, reveals the relentless mental dedication required to compete at the highest level. Even during moments of respite with family, the demands of training and weight management remain a constant presence in her thoughts.

Mirabai Chanu discusses her commitment to weightlifting on the Game On podcast.

Chanu, who secured a silver medal in the 49kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is currently focused on preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

"We get some rest, especially after major events like the Asian Games or Olympics. I take that time, but I always return to training," Chanu shared on the podcast series Game On. "Family time is crucial, especially after dedicating so much time to training; it's important to relax. However, the focus quickly shifts back to training. The Commonwealth Championships are next, serving as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games, so that's where all our efforts are directed."

The life of an elite athlete requires sacrifice, and Chanu admits that leisure travel is not truly relaxing due to the ever-present need to maintain peak condition.

"We don't really enjoy traveling. I do go out sometimes, but I can’t really enjoy with my family the way I’d like to—because we have to get back to training. We’ve already given so much time to it, so we have to think about how to recover, how to maintain ourselves... these things are always on my mind. I keep thinking: when should I restart training? Will I be able to perform like I did before?"

Even the simple act of eating becomes a strategic decision.

"So honestly, we're always thinking about training—even while eating! We think: if I eat this, what effect will it have? Will I gain fat? Will my weight go up? Because of this, we can’t even eat what we want to."

Chanu confessed her love for a particular indulgence.

"I love junk food—especially pizza! Everyone knows that. But I still can’t eat it. Even when I’m not training, I really feel like eating it, but I stop myself and think, ‘If I eat this, how will tomorrow’s training go?’ I have to maintain my weight, especially keeping it at 50 kg. It’s very tough—training and staying at that weight. So, even when I want something, I have to stop myself and say, ‘Not now, focus on the competition first,’" she said.

Mirabai Chanu's impressive list of achievements includes:

• Olympic silver medal
• Gold and silver medals at the World Championships
• Two golds and a silver at the Commonwealth Games
• A bronze at the Asian Championships.