Li Yan: Weightlifting Prodigy Sets Sights on National Games Glory
Table of Contents
- 1. Li Yan: Weightlifting Prodigy Sets Sights on National Games Glory
- 2. From Reluctant Recruit to World Champion
- 3. Overcoming Challenges and Finding Fulfillment
- 4. Breaking Records and Setting New goals
- 5. Continuous Advancement: The Path to Excellence
- 6. Learning from the Best: Training with li Wenwen
- 7. The Road Ahead: National Games and Beyond
- 8. A Simple Life Dedicated to Weightlifting
- 9. key Takeaways and Call to Action
- 10. What motivates Li Yan to push thru tough training and work toward her weightlifting goals?
- 11. interview: Li Yan – On Weightlifting, Records, and National games Glory
- 12. From Judo Doubts to Weightlifting Dominance
- 13. Breaking Records and Staying Grounded
- 14. The Road to the National Games
- 15. A Glimpse into Li Yan’s Life Beyond Weightlifting
Li Yan, a 20-year-old weightlifter from Heilongjiang, has rapidly ascended the ranks of her sport, capturing the world’s attention with her dedication and remarkable achievements. In a world often filled with distractions, Li Yan remains laser-focused on her singular goal: winning championships through relentless training and unwavering commitment.
From Reluctant Recruit to World Champion
Li Yan’s entry into weightlifting was almost accidental. Initially scouted for judo, she hesitated due to injury concerns. “at the beginning, the judo team selected me, but I didn’t go. it seemed that I heard that the judo athlete participating in the rio Olympics had broken his fingers, so I didn’t dare to go.” Instead, she found herself drawn to weightlifting.She added, “Later, the weightlifting team of the Municipal Sports School came to the school to choose me, so I practiced weightlifting.” What began as a casual interest quickly evolved into a passion. Starting at 14, relatively late for a weightlifter, she quickly excelled, earning a spot on the provincial team within a year after winning a provincial championship. This rapid progress underscores not just talent but also the intense dedication she brought to the sport.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Fulfillment
The demanding nature of weightlifting training tested Li Yan’s resolve early on. She admitted, “I have been very tired and didn’t want to practice.I wanted to go home, but it seemed like I had a sleep, and nothing happened the next day.” Her youthful resilience helped her overcome these initial hurdles. Over time,she found genuine satisfaction in her progress. “The more you practice, the more you can lift a larger weight, and you will feel fulfilled,” Li Yan noted, highlighting the intrinsic reward that fuels her continued efforts.
Breaking Records and Setting New goals
Li Yan’s breakthrough came swiftly. After finishing outside the top ten in a national competition in 2021, she captured the national championship in 2024. This victory propelled her to the world stage, where she made an unforgettable impact at last year’s World Championships. Li Yan secured three gold medals with impressive lifts of 149 kg in the snatch, 175 kg in the clean and jerk, and a total score of 324 kg.She even shattered the world record in the snatch, previously held by Li Wenwen. Despite her success, Li Yan remains grounded and driven. “I will be nervous when participating in an international competition for the first time. I feel pressured when preparing for the game, because everyone has high expectations for me before the game and is afraid that I will not let down my expectations if I don’t win the championship. But as soon as I arrived on the court,I forgot these things.”
Continuous Advancement: The Path to Excellence
Despite her accomplishments, Li Yan is committed to refining her technique and pushing her limits. She acknowledges areas for growth, stating, “my snatching movements feel good. I like to practice snatching during training, and it feels not difficult…It is okay to turn around the station, but the skills and stability of snatching are worse, so you still have to speed up the snatching.” This self-awareness and dedication to improvement underscore her potential for even greater achievements. She credits her coach,Liu Yao,for her success. “The main reason is that my coach is well-trained and well-trained.” Li Yan added, “I don’t think I’m very hardworking. Sometimes I want to be lazy,but the coach is strict,I dare not.”
Learning from the Best: Training with li Wenwen
training alongside Olympic champion Li Wenwen at the Majiang base in Fujian Province has provided Li Yan with invaluable learning opportunities. She views Li Wenwen as a role model and a source of inspiration.”Li Wenwen is a senior. When you see her training, the first thing you want is to learn from her. If you have the ability to compete with her, you must also compete, whether in the training ground or in the competition ground.” This competitive spirit and willingness to learn from more experienced athletes are essential to her development.
The Road Ahead: National Games and Beyond
Li Yan’s immediate focus is on the National Games. She said that his biggest goal this year is to win the National Games championship. A showdown between the “Double Li” at the National Games is expected to be a highlight of the competition, showcasing the intensity and skill of these top-tier athletes.
A Simple Life Dedicated to Weightlifting
Outside the weightlifting arena, Li Yan leads a simple, disciplined life. “I only play mobile games and watch TV shows in my spare time. I don’t like beauty. I don’t have cosmetics, except for daily hydration and applying a facial mask. I’m not very interested in these things, just be clean and tidy.” Her priorities are clear: weightlifting comes first. “I’m very happy to be able to train well and lift more and more weights. I hope to practice weightlifting for a long time and win a lot of championships,” she concludes. Her dedication and focus make her a formidable competitor and a rising star in the world of weightlifting.
key Takeaways and Call to Action
- Li Yan’s story exemplifies the power of dedication and perseverance in achieving athletic success.
- Her ability to overcome challenges and continuously strive for improvement sets her apart as a true champion.
- The upcoming National Games will be a crucial test of her skills and a significant step in her career.
Follow Li Yan’s journey and witness her pursuit of excellence at the National Games. Stay tuned for updates and support her as she represents her nation on the world stage. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and anyone striving for greatness in thier field.
What motivates Li Yan to push thru tough training and work toward her weightlifting goals?
interview: Li Yan – On Weightlifting, Records, and National games Glory
archyde news recently had the chance to sit down with Li Yan, the rising star of Chinese weightlifting. At just 20 years old, Li Yan has already made waves on the international stage, breaking records and securing prestigious titles. We spoke with her about her journey, her training regimen, and her aspirations for the future, especially the upcoming National Games. Here’s what she had to say.
From Judo Doubts to Weightlifting Dominance
Archyde News (AN): Li Yan, thank you for joining us. Your entry into weightlifting is quite unique, almost accidental. What ultimately drew you to weightlifting after initially considering judo?
Li Yan (LY): Thank you for having me. Well, at the beginning, the judo team did scout me, but I had some concerns. I’d heard about injuries, like the judo athlete at the Rio Olympics who broke his fingers. So, I was a bit hesitant. Then,the weightlifting team from the Municipal Sports School came to my school. I decided to give it a try, and it just clicked.I never looked back.
AN: It must have been a big adjustment.What were some of the initial challenges you faced?
LY: It was demanding, without a doubt. Early on, there were times when I was just incredibly tired and wanted to quit. I missed home. But, somehow, after a good sleep, I’d wake up ready to try again. Plus, as I got stronger and could lift heavier weights, that feeling of accomplishment kept me going. It’s very fulfilling.
Breaking Records and Staying Grounded
AN: Your performance at last year’s World Championships was incredible – three gold medals and breaking the world record in the snatch! How did it feel to achieve such remarkable success on the world stage?
LY: It was a surreal experience. I did feel nervous for my first international competition. There’s pressure when everyone has high expectations, and you’re afraid of letting them down. But, as soon as I stepped onto the platform, all those thoughts vanished. I just focused on the lift.
AN: You train with Olympic champion Li Wenwen. What is that like, and what have you learned from her?
LY: Training with Li Wenwen is an honour.She’s a senior, and of course, I want to learn from her. Seeing her dedication and work ethic motivates me. I always want to compete with her, whether it’s in training or at competitions. It pushes me to be better.
The Road to the National Games
AN: Your immediate focus is on the National Games. How are you preparing, and what are your goals for the competition?
LY: My biggest goal this year is to win the National Games championship. I’m working hard on refining my technique, especially my snatching skills. My coach, Liu Yao, has been instrumental in my progress. He is very strict and keeps me motivated even when I am feeling a bit lazy
A Glimpse into Li Yan’s Life Beyond Weightlifting
AN: What dose Li Yan do to unwind and relax outside of the rigorous training schedule?
LY: (Laughs) My life is pretty simple! I play mobile games and watch TV shows. I’m not realy into fashion or makeup; mostly, I just focus on keeping clean and tidy. Weightlifting is my priority; it brings me happiness. I love training, lifting heavier weights, and hope to continue winning championships for many years.
AN: what’s one thing you’d like to say to young aspiring weightlifters?
LY: Believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to work hard. It’s okay to feel tired or discouraged sometimes, but never give up on your dreams. and always listen to your coach!
AN: Li Yan, thank you for your time and insights. We wish you the best of luck at the National Games and beyond. One final question for our readers: what aspects of Li Yan’s dedication inspire you most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!