The Legacy of Lu Xiaojun: From Champion to Mentor

The Past: Lu’s Lifting History

When people think of Olympic weightlifting, certain names rise above the rest. Lu Xiaojun is one of them. Born in 1984 in Hubei, China, his journey into sport began not with a barbell, but on the track. As a young boy, Lu showed promise in sprinting, but at 14 his path changed forever when coaches recognized his potential for weightlifting. His frame, explosiveness, and dedication made him a natural fit for the sport that would one day make him a legend.

By the time Lu reached the international stage, China was already a powerhouse in weightlifting. But even within this elite environment, Lu distinguished himself. Competing primarily in the 77kg class for much of his career, he combined raw strength with flawless technique. This combination earning him not just medals, but the admiration of lifters worldwide. His signature golden Anta lifters (the inspiration for the first pair of shoes the LUXIAOJUN brand released) made him unmissable on and off the platform.

The milestones are staggering:

• 2009 World Championships: His breakout moment, where he announced himself by winning gold and setting records.
• London 2012 Olympics: Lu delivered one of the most iconic performances in Olympic weightlifting, taking gold with lifts that appeared almost effortless. His smooth, upright snatch technique became a model studied by athletes globally.
• World Championships Dominance: Over the years, Lu added five World titles, often pushing the limits of what was thought possible in his category.
• Tokyo 2020 Olympics: At 37 years old—an age where most weightlifters have long since retired—Lu stunned the world again by winning gold in the 81kg class. His longevity cemented him not only as a champion but also as an enduring symbol of mastery and discipline.

To watch Lu Xiaojun lift was to witness the perfect balance of strength and grace. His upright torso in the snatch, the precision of his footwork, the controlled aggression. He elevated weightlifting from a test of strength into an art form.

An Athlete to a Brand

Great athletes often face a daunting question when competition ends: What comes next? For Lu Xiaojun, the answer was not retirement in the traditional sense. Instead, he poured his experience, reputation, and passion into building something new: the LUXIAOJUN brand.

The idea began modestly. Lu knew that athletes across the world admired not only his accomplishments but also his approach to training—his philosophy, his attention to detail, and his obsession with quality. Why not create equipment that embodied those same principles? What started with a vision soon became reality. The brand launched with weightlifting shoes, straps, belts, and accessories, designed with the same meticulous care that Lu applied to his own lifts. He partnered with engineers, designers, and fellow athletes to test and refine products, ensuring they weren’t just another piece of gear, but tools worthy of serious lifters.

From the beginning, the message was clear: this wasn’t just merchandise, it was a continuation of Lu’s legacy. Every product carried a piece of his journey—discipline, precision, and trust in the process. For the global weightlifting community, this was significant. Here was a brand not invented by a marketing team, but created by someone who had stood on the biggest stages, broken world records, and lived the life of an athlete. LUXIAOJUN quickly grew beyond China, becoming a trusted name among lifters worldwide.

In a way, the founding of his company mirrored his lifting career: a steady rise, built on patience, consistency, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

The Present: Legacy in Action

Today, Lu Xiaojun continues to inspire—but in a different arena. While he no longer competes on the Olympic platform, his business and training ventures ensure his influence reaches even further.

The LUXIAOJUN brand has expanded internationally, with equipment and apparel used by lifters across Europe, North America, and beyond. From shoes designed for stability and comfort, to straps that balance durability with function, the products reflect Lu’s years of firsthand experience. They are not gimmicks; they are the tools of someone who knows exactly what lifters need.

But his role isn’t limited to business. Lu has also become a mentor and teacher, hosting training camps and seminars where athletes of all levels can learn from him directly. These camps are more than technical instruction—they are an immersion into the mindset of a champion. Athletes leave not only with better lifts, but with a deeper understanding of discipline, longevity, and respect for the sport. Social media has amplified his reach, allowing him to share tips, insights, and glimpses into his own training. In doing so, he bridges the gap between elite athlete and everyday lifter, reminding us that progress is built on fundamentals.

At present, Lu Xiaojun is more than a former champion—he is a brand, a coach, a symbol of perseverance. His journey shows that the end of competition is not the end of influence. In fact, for Lu, it’s only the beginning of a new chapter: one where he lifts not only barbells, but an entire community.

Overview

The legacy of Lu Xiaojun is not defined solely by medals or records, though he has plenty of both. It’s defined by his ability to adapt and evolve. From a young athlete in Hubei, to Olympic gold, to international business leader and mentor, Lu has carried the same principles throughout his life: precision, patience, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.

In weightlifting, the greatest lifts are never truly about the numbers—they’re about what they represent. For Lu Xiaojun, each phase of his life has been a lift in its own right. And together, they form a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.