Mirabai Chanu: Olympic Medalist Reveals Relentless Focus on Training and Weight, Even During Family Time

Mirabai Chanu, India's celebrated weightlifter, reveals the relentless mental commitment required to compete at the highest level. Even during precious moments with family, the demands of training and maintaining a specific weight remain a constant consideration.

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

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

However, the respite is short-lived. "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 life of a competitive weightlifter involves significant sacrifices. "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."

The pressure to perform looms constantly. "I keep thinking: when should I restart training? Will I be able to perform like I did before?"

Dietary discipline is paramount. "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."

Mirabai confessed her cravings for certain foods. "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 impressive medal tally includes:

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