ChanuS Road to recovery: A Focus on Peak Fitness After Paris Heartbreak
Mirabai Chanu, known for her unwavering smile and resilience, is channeling her disappointment from the Paris Olympics into a dedicated plan for regaining peak fitness. Despite a valiant effort, missing a medal by a mere kilogram was a tough pill to swallow. However, Chanu remains optimistic, stating, “Recalling disappointments is never easy, but I will give it a shot. There’s no point in brooding over what’s done. It is crucial for athletes to dust themselves up after a failure and start over.” The silver medallist from the Tokyo Olympics faced a formidable challenge in Paris. A fourth-place finish, especially by such a slim margin, is often the moast agonizing result in sports. Chanu concurrently battled lingering injuries, impacting her training leading up to the event. Despite her commendable 199kg lift, the highest weight lifted by any Indian in the category at a global event, it was short of the podium. The landscape of women’s weightlifting in Chanu’s division is evolving.Athletes are increasingly surpassing the 200kg mark, demanding greater effort and strategy. Chanu recognizes this and acknowledges the need to elevate her performance for future success. With her sights set on the 2026 Asian Games in Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya, Chanu has embarked on a measured recovery plan. Following a period of rest at home post-Paris, Chanu traveled to St. Louis, USA to train with renowned doctor Aaron Horschig. “the right thigh is still a work in progress for her. She can win a medal anywhere in the world if she is injury free,” said national coach Vijay Sharma. “Since there are no major competitions in sight, we are focusing on some strength work and progressive overload.” While she skipped the 2024 World Championships in Bahrain, Chanu attended the event to observe her opponents. “I don’t wont to rush things. Over-training or wrong training can lead to muscle imbalances and more injuries, so we are taking it slow. As of now, focus is on strengthening the weaker muscles while allowing my thigh to rest,” she explained. Chanu has relocated her training base from NIS Patiala to Modinagar near Ghaziabad, where Sharma’s academy is located. “There is no word on the national camp yet, so I figured this is the best arrangement. I have no immediate plans to go to Patiala,” she concluded.## In Conversation With Mirabai Chanu: Bouncing back From Paris
**Archyde:** Welcome, Mirabai Chanu. It’s a privilege to have you with us today. The world watched in awe of your performance at the Paris olympics. While the outcome may not have been what you hoped for, your spirit and determination continue to inspire.
**Mirabai:** Thank you. The support I’ve received has been overwhelming. It’s truly heartwarming.
**Archyde:** You’ve spoken about channeling the disappointment into a plan for regaining peak fitness. Coudl you tell us more about this plan and what it entails?
**Mirabai:** absolutely. [[1](https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/others/paris-heartache-over-chanu-focuses-on-regaining-peak-fitness-101735056308819.html)]It’s critically important to acknowledge the setback,learn from it,but not dwell on it.My focus now is on rebuilding,strengthening,and refining my technique. this involves meticulous training, a tailored diet plan, and working closely with my coaches to identify areas for improvement.
**archyde:** Missing a medal by such a narrow margin must have been incredibly tough. How are you coping with that emotional aspect of the experience?
**Mirabai:** It was definitely a hard pill to swallow.[[1](https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/others/paris-heartache-over-chanu-focuses-on-regaining-peak-fitness-101735056308819.html)]But as I’ve said before,athletes have to learn to bounce back. Dwelling on the negatives won’t change the outcome.I choose to focus on the journey ahead and the lessons learned.
**Archyde:** Your positive attitude is truly remarkable. What message would you give to young athletes who might be going through a similar experience of disappointment?
**Mirabai:** Never give up on your dreams. Setbacks are a part of any journey. What matters most is how you react to them. Learn from them, use them as fuel, and keep pushing forward.
**Archyde:** Wise words, indeed. mirabai Chanu,thank you for your time and for sharing your inspiring journey with us.
**Mirabai:** The pleasure was all mine.
## Mirabai Chanu: Reclaiming Her Strength After Paris
This interview will focus on Mirabai Chanu’s resilient journey back to peak fitness after a close call at the Paris Olympics.
**interviewer:** Mirabai, yoru performance at the Paris olympics was admirable, considering the challenges you faced.How are you processing the outcome, especially that narrow miss from a medal?
**Mirabai Chanu:** Recalling disappointments is never easy, but I will give it my best shot. There’s no point in brooding over what’s done. It’s crucial for athletes to dust themselves up after a setback and start over.
**Interviewer:** Your right thigh issues were well documented leading up to the Games. How much did that impact your training and performance?
**Mirabai Chanu:** It was definitely a hurdle. Injuries are an athlete’s worst nightmare,but I always strive to push through.
**Interviewer:** The field in Women’s 49kg weightlifting is getting incredibly competitive. What are your thoughts on the evolving landscape and how you plan to stay ahead?
**Mirabai Chanu:** I am aware that the sport is increasingly demanding. Athletes are constantly raising the bar, which pushes me to work harder and refine my strategies.
**Interviewer:** You are currently focused on recovery and training under Dr. Aaron Horschig in St. Louis. Can you share what this specific training regime entails?
**Mirabai Chanu:** Dr. Horschig has been instrumental in strengthening my right thigh and addressing past injuries. We are focusing on a tailored program that includes strength work and controlled overload to gradually build my capacity.
**Interviewer:** You skipped the 2024 World Championships in favor of focused training. Was this a intentional strategy?
**Mirabai Chanu:** Absolutely. My primary goal is to regain full strength and achieve peak performance. Major competitions are vital, but right now, my focus is on a structured and sustainable recovery.
**Interviewer:** you were present at the World Championships as an observer. What insights did you gain from watching your Competitors?
**Mirabai Chanu:** Learning from others is essential. Observing my opponents’ techniques and strategies helps me identify areas for improvement in my own performance.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next two years, especially with the 2026 Asian Games on the horizon?
**Mirabai Chanu:**
My sights are firmly set on the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. It’s a significant event, and I will be fully prepared to give it my all.
**interviewer:** Mirabai Chanu, thank you so much for your time and insightful responses. We wish you the very best on your journey back to the podium.
**Mirabai Chanu:** Thank you for having me.