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

Mirabai Chanu, India's celebrated weightlifter, reveals the relentless mental dedication required to maintain peak performance. Even during precious moments with family, the demands of training and stringent weight control are always at the forefront of her mind.

Mirabai Chanu shares insights on the Game On podcast.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist in the 49kg category is currently focused on preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

"We do get some rest, especially after major events like the Asian Games or Olympics. I took some time off too, but then it was back to training," Mirabai shared on the "Game On" podcast. "Spending time with family is crucial, especially after dedicating so much time to training – it's important to relax a bit."

She continued, "That aspect was good, but now it's time to refocus on training. Next is the Commonwealth Championships, which also serves as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. Our full attention is on that, and our preparations are entirely focused on it."

The life of a professional athlete often involves sacrifices, particularly when it comes to leisure and personal enjoyment.

"We don’t really get to enjoy traveling," Mirabai explained. "I do go out sometimes, but I can’t fully enjoy it with my family the way I’d like to because we have to get back to training. We've already invested so much time, so we have to consider recovery and maintenance… these things are always on my mind. I constantly wonder: when should I resume training? Will I be able to perform at my previous level?"

The mental burden of an athlete extends even to simple pleasures like eating.

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

Mirabai admitted her love for junk food, particularly pizza, but acknowledged the need for restraint.

"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 Achievements:

• Olympic Silver Medal (Tokyo 2020)
• World Championships: Gold and Silver Medals
• Commonwealth Games: Two Gold and One Silver Medal
• Asian Championships: Bronze Medal