Young weightlifter dreams of a home Olympic Games

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Picture by Momentsbybilbo Sports Photography.

For young weightlifter Indianna Wilson each snatch, clean and jerk represents a step toward competing at a home Olympic Games.

A member of the South West Sydney Academy of Sport Wests Future Stars program, the Year 12 student returned from the recent Oceania Youth Championships with a silver medal, as well as three national youth records in the 80kg snatch, 100kg clean and jerk, and 180kg total.

“It felt well, actually insane! The hard part was over. On that platform, you just get to enjoy the moment,” says Wilson.

She was 11 years old when she first came across weightlifting, and loved it immediately.

“I came through CrossFit, and the moment I learned the Olympic lifts that were a part of CrossFit, I knew that’s all I wanted to do and focus on,” she says.

Wilson, who is currently under the guidance of elite mentors such as five-time Olympic diver Melissa Wu, also appreciates the important support she receives from the academy.

“The strength and conditioning I get from the academy is amazing,” says Wilson.

“More than that, I have learned how critical sleep, nutrition and mental preparation are. These are the things most athletes overlook.”  

In Olympic weightlifting, beyond the physicality lies a game of control, of breathwork, nerves and belief.

That’s why before every lift, Wilson resets with a single, deep breath, grounding herself in repetition and ritual.

 “I remind myself that I have done this lift a million times. Nothing is different.” 

Despite being in her final year of high school, juggling elite sport and study, Wilson remains focused on her ultimate goal.

“Sport always comes first. It’s my goal in life. That means sacrifices, but I’m willing,” she says.

By ABBY WIJESEKERA

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