Leading up to the 2016 Rio Olympics, Jenny Arthur was the only American weightlifter named to the Olympic team before Olympic team trials. BarBend weightlifting correspondent Mike Graber spoke with her a few days before Trials in Salt Lake City, where Arthur is a participant even though her Olympic spot is already secured.
Hometown: Gainesville, Georgia
Languages Spoken: English. “I have learned a little Armenian and Russian, it is something I would like to learn when I have more time after the Olympics.”
Education: Has been studying Psychology at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS). Not currently enrolled due to training for the Summer Olympics, but plans to finish her degree after Rio.
Athletic Accomplishments:
- 2016 Olympic Team Member
- US Olympic Training Center Resident Athlete
- 2015 World Championships – 8 th Place
- Top American Point Scorer at 2014 & 2015 World Championships
- 3X Senior World Team Member
- 2X USA National Champion
- 2013 & 2014 Pan Am Championships Silver Medalist – 69KG / 75KG
- 2013 Junior World Championships Silver Medalist – 75KG
- 2013 Junior Pan Am Champion – 75KG
How long have you been lifting and how did you get started?
I started when I was a sophomore in high school as a way to cross-train for softball and track and field. Eventually I fell in love with weightlifting and dropped the other sports.
Hobbies / Activities outside of Weightlifting?
Several times a week, I volunteer at a Children’s Hospital near the Olympic Training Center.
Goals for Olympic Trials?
This is part of the building stage, I would like to have a good total (240-250KGs), and build momentum leading into the Olympics.
Goals for the Olympics?
I want to be on the podium (win an Olympic medal), and I will do whatever I need to get there.
Who do you consider your biggest competition?
My biggest competition is myself, I know what I need to do to be capable of winning a medal. If I do what I am capable of, I will win a medal.
Training PRs?
- Snatch — 106KG (233lbs)
- Clean and Jerk – 138KG (304lb)
- Jerk off Rack – 142KG (312lb)
- Back Squat –176KG (387lb)
- Front Squat – 156KG (343lb)
Number of Training Sessions per Week?
9 sessions per week on average throughout the year, about 7 of which we will go to 90% or more of a lift (or at least try to).
What does your diet consist of?
No special diet, I try to eat healthy, and I eat everything in moderation.
