Indonesian weightlifting legend Eko Yuli Irawan, a four-time Olympic medalist, faced an unexpected outcome at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Competing in the 61 kg weight category, Eko was unable to secure a medal, marking the first time in his Olympic career that he left without a podium finish.

The competition, held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, saw Eko struggle in the clean & jerk phase, ultimately failing to complete the lift. Despite the setback, Eko had shown resilience earlier in the snatch phase. After a missed attempt at 135 kg, he successfully lifted the weight on his second try but was unable to surpass the 139 kg mark in his third attempt, falling short of Li Fabin from China, who lifted 137 kg.

Eko’s path to Paris was marked by his signature extreme dieting regimen. Known for his rigorous preparation, the Lampung-born lifter often faces the challenge of shedding weight to compete in his designated category. This involves a strict routine of fasting and sauna sessions leading up to the competition.

“Two days before the competition, I don’t eat at all, similar to fasting. On the final day, I rely on sauna sessions and ice to keep my body cool and sweat out as much as possible,” Eko explained. This intense regimen, which has been a crucial part of his preparation for years, helps him reduce his weight from 67 kg to the required 61 kg limit.

Despite his dedication, this extreme dieting takes a toll on his body. “These two days can be exhausting, but once the weigh-in is over, I can eat and recover,” he noted. However, this time, the physical strain may have contributed to his struggles in the competition.

Eko’s wife, Masitah, often feels distressed about her husband’s extreme dieting methods. “I find it hard to see Eko suffer during these diets. I prefer not to do video calls because I can hear how weak he sounds,” she shared.

Even though doctors have advised him to adjust his weight loss strategy, Eko remains committed to his method. “I choose to do extreme dieting close to the competition rather than spreading it out over a longer period. It’s part of my strategy to achieve the best results,” he said.

Now, reflecting on his Paris experience, Eko remains undeterred by the setback. For him, the struggle is an essential part of the journey to success. “The tougher the struggle, the more rewarding the achievement,” Eko concluded.