Mirabai Chanu: Olympic Medalist Reveals Relentless Dedication, Even During Family Time

Mirabai Chanu Reveals Constant Focus on Training and Weight Management

Mirabai Chanu, India's celebrated weightlifter, has shared insights into the relentless dedication required to maintain peak performance. Even during moments spent with family, the pressures of rigorous training and stringent weight management remain a constant presence in her mind. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist in the 49kg category is currently focused on preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

"We do get some time to rest, particularly after major events like the Asian Games or Olympics," Chanu stated during her appearance on the "Game On" podcast. "I took some rest as well, but soon returned to training. Spending time with family is crucial, especially after dedicating so much time to training. It's necessary to relax a little."

She continued, "That aspect was enjoyable, but now it's time to return to training. The Commonwealth Championships are next, and they also serve as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. Our entire focus is directed towards that, and all our preparations are currently tailored to it."

Chanu also highlighted the sacrifices involved in pursuing excellence. "We don't truly get to enjoy traveling. I do go out occasionally, but I can’t fully enjoy time with my family the way I'd like to because we have to return to training. We've already invested so much time, so we must consider how to recover and maintain ourselves. These thoughts are always on my mind. I constantly wonder: when should I resume training? Will I be able to perform as I did before?"

The mental discipline extends to dietary choices as well. "So honestly, we're always thinking about training—even while eating! We consider: if I eat this, what effect will it have? Will I gain fat? Will my weight increase? Because of this, we can't even eat what we want to."

Chanu confessed her love for junk food, especially pizza. "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 list of achievements includes an Olympic silver medal, a gold and a silver at the World Championships, two golds and a silver at the Commonwealth Games, and a bronze at the Asian Championships, solidifying her position as a world-class athlete.