Mirabai Chanu: Weightlifting Demands Constant Focus, Even During Family Time

Mirabai Chanu: Training and Weight Concerns Persist, Even During Family Time

Mirabai Chanu, India’s celebrated weightlifter, reveals that the demands of training and weight management are a constant presence in her life, even when she is with her family. The silver medalist in the 49kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is currently preparing intensely for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

"We do get some time to rest, especially after major events like the Asian Games or Olympics. I also took some rest, but quickly returned to training. Spending quality time with family is very important, especially after dedicating so much time to training, as it is necessary to relax a little," Mirabai shared in a podcast.

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

She further added, "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. 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?"

"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."

"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 explained.

Mirabai's impressive list of achievements includes an Olympic silver medal, gold and silver medals at the World Championships, two golds and a silver at the Commonwealth Games, and a bronze at the Asian Championships.