Lifting Makes Me – Harrison Maurus

At 21, American weightlifter Harrison Maurus is no stranger to the international weightlifting stage. At only 17, Harrison won bronze in the clean and jerk at the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships, securing Team USA's first men's weightlifting world medals in 20 years. What follows is a string of success, new medals and broken records as Harrison prepares for his ultimate goal - representing Team USA at the Olympic Games. In a conversation with Eleiko, Harrison shares what lifting means to him, why he never lifts with his glasses on and how the art of weightlifting is just as much about mental strength as the physical.

How did you get into weightlifting?

Before I started lifting, I was a gymnast for a few years. That body control and body awareness, knowing exactly where you are in a space, made it a lot of easier to transition into lifting. I started powerlifting at age 11, but at 13, I changed my focus to Olympic weightlifting. That year, I also took to the competitive platform for the first time.

What is an ultimate lift for you?

Having equipment that I rely on, that has the perfect amount of spin, is crucial to being able to reach my maximum for the day. The other aspect is having the right group of people to train with. That is super critical for me. The ultimate lifting experience is a mix of training in the right environment that allows me to reach my full potential, and the having the correct equipment that enables me to do the same.

What role do the people play in your training and competing?

I love training with others and keeping the atmosphere alive. The right people around you add that helpful extra step of discipline and motivation. It’s a supportive environment where everyone is encouraging each other. I try to bring as much of that as possible into the gym. I’ve learned that I train best when I am relaxed and having fun. The community is something that I think the sport of weightlifting does really well.

What motivates you to do better?

My parents, friends and teammates keep me motivated every day. All the support I get from the people that back me keeps me striving to do better.

How has your training changed during the past year?

2020 was a year full of challenges, unforeseen changes and roadblocks, but keeping that mentality of just moving forward has helped me to keep training at this level and continuing to progress. Nothing has really changed for me. I’ve taken advantage of the time during these unideal circumstances to really drill technique, as that is something everyone can always improve on. It’s all about routine and resilience – to be able to bounce back and get back to work, despite the challenges. Weightlifting is just as much mental strength as it is physical.