Lu Xiaojun: The Career Behind the Brand

Before his name appeared on weightlifting shoes, Lu Xiaojun was already giving people a reason to watch the sport.

The huge snatches, the deep squat jerk, the way he could make a heavy lift look like another warm-up. For many weightlifting fans, those are the things that come to mind when they hear his name.

From World Champion to Olympic Gold

Lu Xiaojun won his first senior world title in 2009, competing in the 77kg category. He snatched 174kg and clean and jerked 204kg for a 378kg total. Both the snatch and total were world records.

Olympic gold followed at London 2012. A year later, he put together one of his strongest performances at the World Championships in Wrocław: a 176kg snatch and 204kg clean and jerk, giving him a world-record 380kg total.

He finished 21kg ahead of second place. At that level, that is an enormous gap.

Why His Lifting Style Stood Out

Lu’s squat jerk became one of his most recognisable features. He caught the bar overhead in a deep squat, then stood up with it, keeping both feet alongside each other.

It is a very different sight from the split jerk most weightlifters use. Watching him do it with more than 200kg made it particularly memorable. Our article on the squat jerk and split jerk explains the differences between the two styles.

His lifting also gave fans plenty to watch beyond competition results. The controlled movements and deep overhead positions are part of what makes his footage so recognisable, even before you see his face.

Still Winning at 37

Lu remained at the top after moving into the 81kg category. In 2019, aged 35, he won his fifth world title with a 207kg clean and jerk and a 378kg total, setting world records in both.

Then came Tokyo. At the Olympics held in 2021, he lifted 170kg in the snatch and 204kg in the clean and jerk to win gold at 37 years old.

Twelve years separated his first world title and that Olympic victory. His career was remarkable for how long he kept producing those performances.

From Lu Xiaojun the Weightlifter to LUXIAOJUN Shoes

That experience also connects Lu to the equipment carrying his name: he has helped design and test LUXIAOJUN weightlifting shoes.

The LUXIAOJUN White Weightlifting Shoes are the original model in a classic colourway, with a firm sole, raised heel and adjustable straps for squats, snatches and clean and jerks.

If you are considering a pair, our guide to choosing weightlifting shoes explains what to look for, while the weightlifting shoe size guide helps you find the right fit.