Mirabai Chanu: Olympic Medalist Reveals Constant Mental Pressure of Weightlifting

Mirabai Chanu Reveals the Mental Toll of Weightlifting: Training and Weight Always on Her Mind

Indian weightlifting sensation Mirabai Chanu has opened up about the constant mental pressures she faces due to training and weight management, even during her time with family. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist, competing 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 also took some time off, but then it was back to training. Spending time with family is very important – especially after dedicating so much time to training – it's crucial to relax a little," Chanu shared on the "Game On" podcast.

"That was good, but now it's time to focus on training again. Next up is the Commonwealth Championships, which is also a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. Our full focus is on that, and all our preparations are geared towards it," she added.

Chanu revealed the sacrifices she makes when traveling, stating: "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 weightlifter also highlighted the mental burden of constantly monitoring her diet: "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 admitted her love for junk food, especially pizza, but emphasized the need for self-discipline. "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 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, cementing her place as one of India's top athletes.