Mart Seim will take on the top lifters in the world during the Paris Olympic Games when he steps on the platform August 10th. This marks the second Olympic Games for Seim after having qualified for the Rio Olympics in 2016. He recently took some time to discuss his preparations for the meet with Velaasa Athletics. You can support his efforts by using his code mart15 at checkout and rooting him on through his Instagram.
Congratulations on qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics! How does it feel to secure your spot, and what does this achievement mean to you?
Thank you! I feel very honored and happy to be participating in my second Olympic Games.
What are your primary goals for the Paris 2024 Olympics?
After Europeans I had the knowledge that I wouldn’t be going to the Games but five weeks before I got notified that I’m in. That being said my preparation is not ideal but my goal is to enjoy my competition without pressuring myself.
How are you mentally preparing for the Paris Olympics compared to Rio?
I was young in Rio, so I definitely know better what to expect now. I am 8 years older and wiser about my own training and how to achieve good weights without being super strong.
What are the key areas of your training that you are focusing on for Paris?
After the initial news that I didn’t make it I gave my body rest and focused mostly on repetitions. Now the main focus is on classical lifts - snatch and clean/jerk.
How has your training routine changed as you prepare for the Paris Olympics?
I also went straight to training camp where I can focus and where I have fewer daily distractions.
What changes, if any, have you made to your diet and nutrition plan in preparation for Paris?
I don’t like to keep my body weight so high normally so my main focus has been gaining back my competition weight.
What recovery strategies are you using to ensure peak performance in Paris?
I just had a rest week back home where I went to hyperbaric chamber, cryotherapy and physiotherapist.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of weightlifting?
I am working as a coach and I have a 9 month old son at home so that takes most of my free time.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of being an elite weightlifter?
I try to be present at home the same way I am present in training.
Who or what inspires you to keep pushing forward in your weightlifting career?
What motivates me is knowing that I can achieve such high weights while being clean and that is also why I keep doing what I do.
#onemore