Giulia Imperio: A Weightlifter’s Journey Through Highs and Lows
Author:
“Not qualifying for Paris doesn’t mean my story is over. It just means there are more chapters to write”
Giulia Imperio’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Not qualifying for Paris doesn’t signify the end of her story but rather heralds more opportunities on the horizon.
Giulia’s narrative is a testament to resilience, as she has consistently bounced back from challenges. Those who know her have witnessed her confront obstacles head-on, extracting valuable lessons from each experience. This video delves into Giulia’s journey, capturing both the highs and lows that have shaped her as an athlete.
Weightlifting is a sport that tests both physical and mental limits. Giulia understands that setbacks are integral to the process and uses them to fortify her inner strength. She often speaks about the crucial role of mental resilience in her sport.
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During a visit to the Olympic training base in Rome in June 2024, Giulia reflected on her journey. Despite not qualifying for the Paris Olympics 2024, her passion for weightlifting remains undiminished.
She shared her thoughts on Thailand, her last qualifying event. Let’s hear what happened next.
What Happened in Thailand?
“So, in Thailand, we were aiming for a good outcome. It was the last chance to qualify for the Olympics, and we needed a solid performance to make it to the top 10. Unfortunately, we fell a bit short because we took a risk during the clean & jerk.
Despite that, I was pretty happy with how the snatch went, especially considering I hadn’t even attempted 100kg (in clean and jerk) in training before the competition. It really surprised me!”
Since 2022, Giulia Imperio has competed in numerous competitions. Recently, she has encountered challenging times with two major setbacks. How did she cope with not qualifying for the Olympics? This question was posed to her directly.
How do you handle the disappointment for not qualifying for Paris 2024 this year?
“Honestly, it’s been tough to come to terms with not qualifying for Paris 2024. We’ve been working towards it for years, right now after Tokyo, even before the qualifiers started in Bogota. So, my feelings about it are still a bit unclear. It’s definitely a situation that saddens me a lot, especially considering all the effort we’ve put in. This was supposed to be ‘my Olympics,’ you know? It’s hard to put into words how I feel about it; I’m just trying to process it all.”
Giulia Imperio’s emotions are always evident during competitions. Whether experiencing joy or frustration, she never hides her feelings. Here are her thoughts on displaying emotions during competitions.
You are described as one of the most emotional athletes on the platform, do you think it is your Italian background or it is something else?
“Yeah, I guess you could say I’m not the calmest person out there, especially during competitions. But I think that’s just part of who I am. I definitely need to work on managing my emotions better during competitions, though. With the increased attention on Italian athletes in recent years, there’s definitely more pressure, but it also motivates us to show what we’re capable of.”
Do you think showing your emotions helps during the competition?
“I think the emotions you feel during competition shouldn’t be ignored because they make each competition unique. It’s just important to know how to manage them and turn them into positive energy. Sometimes anxiety and adrenaline can turn into negative feelings, so it’s crucial to handle them in a constructive way.”
Giulia Imperio understands that a strong support system – comprising a coach, a team, and people who believe in her – makes all the difference. When she encounters setbacks, she feels disappointment but remains focused.
How do you feel when you bomb out of competitions?
“You know, it really depends on the competition. Each one has its own story, and sometimes they don’t go the way you expect. It can be tough when you don’t achieve your goals, and the feelings afterward aren’t the greatest. I think it’s important to figure out why things didn’t go as planned and to be honest with yourself about where you can improve.”
Giulia Imperio understands that true success isn’t merely about winning medals; it’s about never giving up. As she prepares for her upcoming competitions, she concentrates on both physical and mental training.
What competitions do you have coming up next?
“Well, next up is an international meet in Australia, followed by the World Championships at the end of the year. We’re aiming to finish the season on a high note.”
Giulia Imperio’s story embodies persistence, learning from each experience, and moving forward. To everyone following her journey, she has a simple message: keep striving and always learn from your experiences.
What would you like to tell your fans?
“Weightlifting is as much about mindset as it is about physical ability. It’s important to keep fighting for your dreams and to find the positives in every situation. I’m incredibly grateful for all the support from my fans; it really means a lot to me. Thank you for always being there for me!”
Keep rooting for Giulia as she continues her journey. Remember, every step counts, every effort matters. Stay motivated, stay focused, and never lose sight of your dreams.
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Author: Tanya Shaiko
News Editor, Olympic Lifting Enthusiast
Best Results: Snatch – 61 kg,
C&J – 78 kg
I’m Tanya, and I just can’t do without fitness. About six years ago, I got into Olympic weightlifting and instantly fell in love with it. Weightlifting is like no other sport – it’s just you versus the bar. Driven by my unwavering passion for an active lifestyle, I’ve been eager to share my personal journey and sports enthusiasm with others. As a journalist and photographer, my interests come full circle, adding an extra dimension to the news column that I curate. This way, I keep my readers updated with the latest happenings in the sports world.