Sarah Fischer: Austria's Strongest Woman Aims for Olympic Glory

At just twelve years old, Sarah Fischer made a mark in the world of weightlifting, a title she has defended vigorously over the years. Today, she is recognized as the strongest woman in Austria. Since 2013, Fischer has achieved remarkable feats, breaking 239 national records, including her current bests of 106 kg in the snatch and 136 kg in the clean and jerk, alongside amassing 40 medals from world and European championships.

However, her journey has not been without challenges. A significant setback occurred when she missed the opportunity to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Following a tenth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, expectations were high. Unfortunately, two herniated discs thwarted her qualification efforts, and despite a comeback attempt, she ultimately fell short. In response, Fischer took a radical approach to cope with her disappointment by deleting her social media accounts and retreating from the public eye, a strategy she often employs after tough competitions.

Despite these challenges, the 24-year-old athlete has not considered retirement. Instead, she set a goal to return to training by September, stating her ability to switch gears and refocus. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics now in her sights, Fischer relocated from her familiar training space in Krems to Vienna, seeking a fresh start.

This move represents a significant change for both Fischer and her father, Ewald, who serves as her coach. Instead of training in their home basement or local club, they now work out at The Gym, where a diverse group of athletes trains together, providing a stark contrast to their previous solitary sessions. Fischer believes that weightlifting is undergoing a positive transformation in its public image, pointing to influencers from countries like Italy and Finland who are redefining the sport.

The shift in training environment has also positively impacted her relationship with her father. While they share a unique bond, Fischer acknowledges the need for independence. The new arrangement allows her to separate her personal life from her athletic commitments more effectively. Ewald, a former weightlifter himself, now travels to Vienna for training sessions, with Fischer also training independently, utilizing video guidance and practicing at the Olympic Center in Lower Austria and Krems.

Although Fischer has embraced her new training setup, her performance this year has not met her expectations. She finished seventh at the European Championships but secured a national championship title. She described this year as her most challenging since entering international competition. Just before the European Championships in April, she faced a dispute with the military sports association that supports her career. Although the association acknowledged its error, the incident was disheartening for Fischer. During the championships, she only managed a successful lift in the clean and jerk, and negative feedback began to affect her mindset. Recognizing the need for support, she sought help from a sports psychologist, realizing that sometimes external perspectives are essential for growth.

Looking ahead, Fischer regards the upcoming World Championships in Førde as a chance for a positive conclusion to her season, even if it cannot salvage her year. She returned to Krems for her final preparations, joking about the comforts of home life, including her mother's help with laundry. Standing at 1.70 meters and weighing around 90 kg without strict dietary restrictions, she plans to compete in the open category over 86 kg in Norway. She acknowledges the fierce competition she will face, including world record holder Li Wenwen from China, who weighs 150 kg, yet remains open to returning to lighter weight classes in the future.

On the subject of gender dynamics in sports, Fischer notes that weightlifting does not seem to be as heavily impacted as other disciplines. She reflects on the significance of Laurel Hubbard's participation as the first transgender woman in the Olympics in Tokyo, recognizing the mixed reactions she received. Fischer remains focused on her performance, stating that her primary competition is herself.