PhD candidate who lifts weights 'scientifically'

It was at the 2024 Asian Classic Powerlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where Zheng Xiaoxuan captured the spotlight by clinching a bronze medal in her category with an impressive total lift of 430 kilograms.

A doctorate candidate for physical chemistry, Zheng's standout feat — a jaw-dropping 175 kg squat, nearly three times her body weight — astounded spectators and solidified her spot at the prestigious World Games 2025, scheduled in August.

Zheng started her powerlifting journey only as a way to overcome an eating disorder.

In the summer of 2020, after completing her undergraduate studies, Zheng was admitted to the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, Anhui province, for her master's degree.

However, the transition to a more flexible schedule led to irregular habits and rapid weight gain. "At first, I tried to control my eating, but the harder I tried the more I lost control until it completely spiraled," Zheng shared in a candid interview.

Determined to address the issue, she began working out at the university gym, where she soon met Yi Ruolong, then a doctoral student from the university's State Key Laboratory of Fire Science.

The two quickly became workout partners and eventually fell in love, supporting each other through their fitness journeys.

She said the idea of participating in professional competitions took shape in August 2023.

Yi enjoyed studying theoretical knowledge about weightlifting and even became a certified weightlifting referee. After coaching in a formal competition, he noticed that his girlfriend also possessed a "talent" to become an athlete.

The two hit it off immediately and started planning their competition journey, focusing on three powerlifting disciplines.

After practicing for a while, Zheng signed up for the Cross-Strait Invitational Powerlifting Tournament held in Xiamen, Fujian province, in May 2024. She showcased her skills impressively, squatting 170.5 kg at a body weight of 60.15 kg, breaking the national squat record for women under 63 kg.

"My academic mentor once encouraged me to maintain a spirit of perseverance, fearlessness of difficulties, and a proactive attitude, whether in research or other endeavors," Zheng said.

Many wonder how Zheng balances powerlifting training with her academic responsibilities.

Her answer is clear: research remains her top priority.

During her PhD studies, she has maintained an average exam score above 90 and has published two first-author papers in Chemical Science, as well as a co-first-author paper in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

As she delved deeper into the world of powerlifting, Zheng's approach mirrored her scientific mindset — meticulously planned, methodically executed and continuously refined.

Balancing the rigors of training with the demands of research, she applied a "scientific thinking" approach to her workouts, optimizing her performance through data-driven analysis and strategic planning.

Beyond the weight room and the lab, Zheng finds solace in travel and self-reflection, seeking balance and inspiration in the diversity of the world around her.

As she prepares to complete her PhD thesis and gears up for the upcoming World Games, Zheng remains steadfast in her pursuit of excellence, driven by a passion for both academia and powerlifting.