At the 2012 London Olympics, Chinese athlete Zhou Lulu proved to be the strongest woman on earth by lifting 333kg on 75kg division. This was a new world record, surpassing her own previous record of 328kg.
Later, the athlete commented that the gold medal weighed heavier than the weights. Nevertheless, it was a joyous moment for her country, especially her family and her hometown.
From a little girl in a village in China to an Olympic gold medalist, Zhou’s journey was not the easiest, but it was definitely thrilling.
She aimed for this gold medal right since she witnessed Tang Gonghong winning gold in the 2004 Athens Olympics.
While people mostly associate weightlifting with male athletes, women like Zhou are constantly helping to break the norm.
So how did the incredible athlete discovered weightlifting? How was her early life, and how did she get into the Olympics?
In this article, we will learn in detail about the journey of this talented woman. But first, here are some interesting quick facts:
Zhou Lulu: Quick Facts
| Full Name | Zhou Lulu |
| Native Name | 周璐璐 |
| Nick Name | Zhou |
| Birthdate | 19 March 1988 |
| Age | 34 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Mother’s Name | N/A |
| Father’s Name | Zhou Weijian |
| Siblings | One sister |
| Birthplace | Yantai, Shandong, China |
| Home Town | Yantai, Shandong, China |
| Citizenship | China |
| Residence | Yantai, Shandong, China |
| School | Shandong Provincial Sports School |
| College | N/A |
| Education | N/A |
| Height | 1.75 meters (5’9″) |
| Weight | 133 kg (293 pounds) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Shoe Size | N/A |
| Martial Status | unmarried |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | none |
| Sport | Women’s Weightlifting |
| Category | 75kg+ |
| Olympics Wins | One Gold (2012 London Olympic) |
| World Championship | One Gold (2011 Paris), One Silver (2013 Wrocław) |
| Personal Best | Snatch: 146 kg, Clean & Jerk: 192 kg, Total: 334 kg |
| Coach | Xu Jingfa |
| Team | Team China |
| Status | Retired |
| Hobbies | Travel |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Social Media | |
| Website | N/A |
| Merch | Women’s Weightlifting Shoes |
| Last-Update | July, 2022 |
The Early Life and Family of Zhou Lulu
Zhou was born in 1988 in China’s Yantai City’s Xilugezhuang Village, Dayao Town, and Muping District. Apple and cherry farmers Zhou Weijan and his wife are her parents.
Before the London Olympics, they had never seen her perform live. Then, after someone covered their travel costs, they went on their first international trip to see their daughter win gold.
Despite their lack of expertise in the sport, her parents are incredibly proud of their daughter. Zhou has a sister and a grandmother, despite the fact that little is known about her family. Similar to Zhou, who started weightlifting at the age of 11.
Zhou Lulu: Learning about weightlifting
Zhou’s introduction to weightlifting is the subject of an intriguing tale. Coach Shi Du of the Muping District Sports school first noticed her in 1999.
Shi Du was looking for a student for weightlifting but has had no luck. In a sporting event where Shi Du was present, Zhou took part in the shotput competition.
Shi Du came to the same conclusion as soon as he saw her because of her height and strength. He embraced her under his wings.
But once more, he had to ask her family’s consent. She went to see her parents, but they weren’t at home. He then spoke to his grandmother!
She allowed her grandchild to play even though she had no idea what weight lighting was. Zhou began her journey in this manner.
Never Give Up Mentality
The sport of weightlifting is challenging. Lifting hundreds of kilograms in a single day of training can be taxing on anyone. There weren’t many students who lifted weights at the school. For kids, juggling schoolwork and training can be taxing.
However, the reserved Zhohu never voiced his displeasure and continued his training. Her sister went to train with Zhohyu, but she soon gave up.
However, it wasn’t always the same. The training was too demanding and frequently draining. Zhohy began to consider stopping along the way. But then the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens took place!
Zohu couldn’t help but want the gold medal that Tang Gonghong won with such ease, making China proud. Additionally, the fact that Tang was also a native of Shandong fueled her fire even more.
Her perspective on weightlifting completely changed as a result. She began to adore it and get ready for the day she would obtain her own gold.
However, the journey was not simple.
Career of Zhou Lulu
She initially attended Yantai Sports School in her town for three years. She moved to Yantai City Sports School in 2001 and trained with Coach Xiandong there.
And She transferred to the Shandong Province Women’s weightlifting team in 2003, where Zhijun served as her coach.
Zhou gained notoriety in 2007 after demonstrating her skills twice in a row. She first took second place in the national urban games. Also, she also triumphed in the Asian youth championship.
She finished fourth in the national weightlifting competition in 2008.
In the 2009 National Games, she placed second but broke the national record by more than 3 kg. She lifted 148 kg in the same year, shattering the previous record for women’s weightlifting in the 75 kg division.
With a combined score of 327 kg, she won two medals in clean and jerk at the 2011 World Weightlifting Championships.
Lulu Zhou: Olympic
She won the 2012 National Women’s Weightlifting Championships and Olympic Trials with a total score of 328 kg, which included a 145 kg grab and an 183 kg clean and jerk.
She outperformed Tatiana Kashirina of Russia to win gold in the 75 kg division at the London Olympics and establish a new world record.
Additionally, it was the fifth gold medal won by the Chinese weightlifting team at the Olympics, giving the Chinese delegation a total of 29 gold medals.
She achieved the “grand slam” of weightlifting with this victory, winning the Olympic Games, the World Championship, and the World Record.
She broke the snatch Asian record in 2014 with 142 kg and the clean and jerk world record with 192 kg.
Her final score of 334 kg was enough to win her the gold medal with ease. Zhou has retired since 2014 and hardly ever appears in public.
Body, height, and measurements of Zhou Lulu
Zhou has the body type for weightlifting at 1.75 meters tall and 133 kg. Her coach decided to give her weightlifting a try because of her naturally large frame. Her body has gotten bigger and bigger during the intensive training.
A heavy body can certainly help you lift more weight, but it can also cause you minor problems occasionally.
It can be extremely challenging to find clothing for her size, which is 5XL.
The family of Zhou has an apple orchard back in their hometown. She tried to assist them in the orchard because she was a kind girl. But her large frame simply wasn’t appropriate for field work.
Similar to how she was too large for the orchard, she trampled over the apples by stepping on them. Her family advised her not to go again after she realized it was hurting her more than helping.
Zhou has a short haircut and wears glasses to correct his nearsightedness. She had a tomboyish appearance overall.
And She does, however, have three tiny braids on the back of her head, if we look closely. She regards it as her “lucky braid” and her sister made it for her.
Zhou Lulu: Interactions
She considers herself to be a romantic at heart and is a Pieces by birth sign. She hesitantly nodded “no” when the interviewer asked her if she has a boyfriend after the Olympics.
But it’s no secret that Lulu is loved by people all over the world.
We are unable to determine whether she is currently married or involved because she has left the spotlight since 2014. But we sincerely hope she is savoring every moment of her retirement.
Zhou Lulu: Online networking
Despite being one of the most powerful women, zhou is shy and introverted. She may not be very active on social media because of this.
Zhou has a Facebook page, but the last time it was updated was in 2012. So, the best way to learn more about her is to conduct an online search.
Zhou Lulu: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zhou Lulu retired?
Yes, Zhou has not competed in games since 2014. Lulu did not participate in the 2016 or 2020 Olympic games either.
Though the official reason for her retirement is not public, we can guess it was due to injuries.
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