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Kim Su-Hyeon (KOR) has one of the brightest personalities in weightlifting. But putting too much pressure on herself—and "ruptured muscles" all across her body—drove her from the sport.
"I stepped away from the National Team after the Asian Championships (2025) ... the only reason I hurt this bad is because I endured it for so long."
Kim is aiming at the World Championships in China this year. To get there, she needs a new weight class and a new outlook.
Weightlifting House
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Kim Su-Hyeon
We spoke with Kim over social media a few weeks after this year's Asian Championships. Around that time, she started publicly signaling a comeback to the sport, which she's held to since.
If you're interested in following her journey, you can find her @ssuiant.
This is a translated interview and has been edited for clarity.
Weightlifting House (WH): What happened at the Asian Championships last year?
Kim Su-Hyeon (KS): After the 2024 Olympics, I was cutting weight back down to 76KG to prepare for my country's National Sports Festival that October. We use that event for national team selection. It also has financial stakes for Korean weightlifters.
During that process, I suffered a muscle injury at the World Championships. My body just stopped listening to me. With a herniated disc and ruptured muscles in my thighs, glutes, and lower back, I couldn't perform any movement. I was mentally devastated.
I pushed through to prepare for the Asian Championships (2025), pouring every ounce of my remaining strength into that competition. Afterward, I stepped away from the national team. I've since been training with my private business team."
WH: What has motivated you to make a comeback?
KS: "I started weightlifting purely out of my own will. I love and cherish this sport more than anyone. I couldn't let it end like that, filled with so much regret.
So I shifted my mindset. I told myself, 'Injuries happen to every athlete. The only reason I'm hurting this bad is because I endured for so long without making changes.'"
With that perspective, I completely reset my body. I met a wonderful trainer who helped me with intensive rehabilitation. I built myself back up and began to trust myself again.
Going through these pains actually taught me how to release unnecessary tension. I realized I'd been way too harsh on myself—whether I perform well or not, I am still who I am.
From now on, I want to support and love myself more."
WH: What are your goals now?
KS: "My goal is to do weightlifting happily and joyfully again, and share my own positive energy with others.
Deep down, I am setting my sights on the LA '28 Olympics, but my immediate goal is to make my comeback at the upcoming World Championships in China.
I want to compete alongside incredible athletes and stand on the podium again."
WH: What will your new weight class be?
KS: "My current team, the Ulsan Business Team, has suggested I compete in the 86KG class. Right now, I am maintaining around 81KG."
WH: What are you focusing on in training right now?
KS: "I am gradually returning to my previous best lifts, but there's no rush. Currently, my main focus is on correcting tilting toward my left side when I move and fixing foul-prone movement patterns.
I am focusing heavily on strengthening the left side of my lower back, pelvis, and my left glute, which have been frustrating weaknesses.
I am also working on letting go of the excessive upper body strength I used to rely on, instead focusing on proper technique and movement that matches where my body currently is."
WH: What kind of support do you receive as a professional weightlifter in Korea?
KS: "Since I am not currently part of the national team roster, I receive absolutely no support from the federation. I currently fund all rehabilitation and training out of my own pocket. Once I recover my personal records and get back to the national team, I expect to receive their support again."
