Mirabai Chanu: Olympic Medalist Reveals Relentless Dedication to Training and Weight Control, Even During Downtime

Mirabai Chanu, India's celebrated weightlifter, reveals the relentless mental dedication required to maintain peak performance, even when away from the gym. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist in the 49kg category is currently focused on preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

"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. Spending time with family is very important – especially after dedicating so much time to training – it’s necessary to relax a little," Chanu shared on the podcast series Game On.

"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. Our full focus is on that, and all our preparations are currently geared toward it."

Chanu highlighted the sacrifices involved in pursuing excellence: "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?"

The mental discipline extends to dietary choices as well. "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