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Name: Darya Akhmerova
Location: Kazakhstan
Weight Category: -87kg
Age: 20
Personal Bests: Snatch 110kg | Clean & Jerk 140kg
In 2019 Darya Akhmerova from Kazakhstan competed in her first international competition. This was the Junior World Championship held in Fiji. Darya came out of this contest with an impressive set of three gold medals in the -87kg category. Darya lifted 103kg in the snatch and 133kg in the clean and jerk for a huge 236kg total! Her clean & jerk was 8kg above the silver medal lifter! A very impressive start of an international career!
We recently had a chat with Darya, who gives the impression of being a very committed and passionate athlete. Read our interview below!
CS: How old were you when you started weightlifting and how did you get interested in it?
Darya: I was 16 years old when I came to the gym, at first I just wanted to take part in the sport for myself. I went for some time, then decided to try to take it professional, I liked it, and the results were good. After half a year I was taken to the national team of Kazakhstan.
CS: How many times a week do you train?
Darya: When I was in the younger team, I did 13 trainings a week, and now I'm in an adult team and do just 8 harder workouts, as recovery takes longer.
CS: Who do you train alongside in the adult team?
Darya: Mostly Artyom Antropov, Nijat Rakhimov and Zulfiya Chinshanlo, we are in the same team.
CS: Do you have a favourite exercise? Are there any exercises that you don’t enjoy as much?
Darya: No, I love each exercise in my own way!
CS: What are your current PBs?
Darya: Snatch: 110kg Clean & Jerk: 140kg Front Squat: 160kg Back Squat: 180kg Snatch Pull: 140kg Clean Pull:180kg
Who is your coach and what is the best advice they have given you?
Darya: My uncle Akhmerov Anvar is training me, and when it’s hard for me or something fails, he always tells me "first you work for your name, and then your name works for you", and these words revive me. In life, one must strive to overtake not others, but oneself.
CS: As well as your Uncle, are you friends and family very supportive?
Darya: Yes of course, I have many friends and a big family, and each in his own way supports and motivates me. This is most important to me, the support of my relatives
CS: How do you like to relax when you aren’t training, do you have any hobbies outside of weightlifting?
Darya: Most of all I like to relax outside the city, somewhere in nature. Well, if the weather does not allow this, I set up a home theater - and in addition to weightlifting, I volunteer, we save cats and dogs, treat them and put them in good hands.
CS: We love that! We are huge animal fans!
What has been your most difficult time of your weightlifting career so far?
Darya: Difficult moments are the first gatherings in the team and preparation for the youth world championship, which took place in Fiji
CS: What do you love the most about the sport?
Darya: The barbell is my bigggest love, this is my life
CS: Is there a weightlifter that you particularly admire or enjoy seeing compete?
Darya: Yes, I admire Russian weightlifter Tatyana Kashrina. I just dream of meeting her and talking. I watch all her performances and understand how difficult it was to get where she is!
CS: What are your aims for the future of your career in the sport?
Darya: I have a dream, the goal is to perform at the Olympics and win a gold medal!
For videos of Darya lifting at the 2019 Junior World Championships see this playlist from IWF.
Thank you so much to Darya for taking her time to answer our questions, we can't wait to see her at more international competitions! Best of luck to you in your future Darya!
- Team Canterbury Strength
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