Mirabai Chanu: Weightlifting Star's Relentless Focus Extends Beyond the Gym

Mirabai Chanu, India's celebrated weightlifter, reveals that the demands of training and maintaining her weight are a persistent concern, even during family time. The silver medalist in the 49kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is currently preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

Mirabai Chanu is the newest guest on the Game On podcast.

"We get a little time to rest, especially after major events like the Asian Games or Olympics. I took some rest too, but then got back to training," Mirabai shared on the "Game On" podcast series. "Spending time with family is very important, especially after dedicating so much time to training; it’s necessary to relax a little."

She added, "That part was good, but now it's time to face training again. Up next is the Commonwealth Championships, which will also act as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. So, our full focus is on that, and all our preparations are currently geared toward it."

The intense focus required for elite weightlifting impacts her ability to relax fully. "We don’t really get to 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."

The champion athlete elaborated on the mental aspect of her sport: "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 meal times are affected by her rigorous training schedule. "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.’"

Mirabai Chanu's Achievements:

• Olympic Silver Medal
• World Championships: Gold and Silver Medals
• Commonwealth Games: Two Golds and a Silver Medal
• Asian Championships: Bronze Medal