Martyna Dolega on Growing Up in a Weightlifting Family

Below is our conversation with Polish weightlifter and two-time Junior European Champion Martyna Dolega. 

This interview has been translated from Polish and edited for clarity.

Weightlifting House (WH): How is your preparation for the World Championships going?

Martyna Dolega (MD): "It's going well. I'm training very hard and focusing, above all, on improving my technique. I believe, in weightlifting, we refine our technique for our entire careers.

I'm also getting ready for the U23 European Championships, which I'll do shortly before Worlds. These two events are very important to me and I need to show my best possible form at both."

WH: What's your biggest obstacle right now?

MD: "I don't have any major obstacles at the moment. I try to approach everything that comes my way calmly and just do my own thing. 

In weightlifting, especially at a high level, what matters most to me is focusing on myself and my own development. The people I surround myself with also play a big role in helping me avoid obstacles."

WH: What was your most important less from Europeans this year?

MD: "I approached the competition very calmly because I knew I was well prepared. I think I showed what I'm capable of and that I'm one of the top athletes in Europe.

At the same time, I know there's still a lot of work ahead of me."

WH: What was it like growing up in a weightlifting family?

MD: "Weightlifting has been part of my life since my earliest years. My mom and I would often visit my dad at his training camps. She was a weightlifter too—they actually met through the sport.

As a child, I tried track and field, judo, swimming, gymnastics, and, later, CrossFit. CrossFit was actually what helped me enjoy the barbell the most, so I decided to try out having a training session with my dad.

I fell in love with it very quickly. Both my parents have played a huge role in supporting my interest. Our family is very much a 'weightlifting family.'"

WH: Do you feel pressured to achieve a certain level of success because of your family?

MD: "My dream is to one day equal my dad. His career is a huge inspiration to me and motivates me to keep setting higher goals."

WH: What role does your dad play in your weightlifting career today?

MD: "He's my main coach. We train together every day. He's always by my side, I couldn't imagine training without him. He knows exactly what I'm capable of, what I need, and what's best for me."

WH: If you could start your weightlifting journey over again, what would you change?

MD: "I don't think I'd do anything differently. I started at a good age, thirteen. From the start, I was well-guided by people who knew how to steer my development. I'm very happy with the path I've taken so far."

WH: What's it like working with athletic sponsors as a weightlifter?

MD: "I'm really happy to have the opportunity to work with some of the biggest brands in Poland. It's a huge financial asset, but also a great opportunity to promote weightlifting.

I want to show this sport in the best possible light, especially on social media, to help make it more popular in Poland. I want weightlifting to be as popular as it was during my dad's career."

WH: How do you spend your time outside the gym?

MD: "I try to stay active. I don't like sitting still, though of course sometimes you need to rest and give your body time to recover.

Spending time with my loved ones, the people who matter most to me, let me rest and recharge."

WH: Do you have a favorite weightlifter?

MD: "There are athletes whom I follow and admire for their technique, results, or approach to the sport, yes. But for me, my dad will always be number one. He's my favorite weightlifter and my biggest inspiration. 

His achievements are proof to me that with hard work, determination, and passion, you can fulfill your biggest sporting dreams."