VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Paralympic Judo Star Mutia Liana Sets Her Sights On Gold At Paris 2024 Games

U.S. Paralympic judo star Mutia Liana has her eyes firmly set on one goal for the Paris 2024 Olympics: a gold medal. The tech professional and seasoned athlete shared her ambitions, insights into her journey and approach to balancing life and training.

“My quantifiable measurement of success is a gold medal,” Liana told uInterview exclusively, expressing her clear intent for the upcoming Olympic Games. For Liana, the Paris Olympics represent more than just another competition—they symbolize a culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

Beyond her athletic aspirations, Liana also expressed excitement about experiencing the cultural richness of Paris. “It’s historic, it’s iconic. Of course, I’d love to get a medal there, but I’ll also be in Paris,” she said, highlighting her desire to embrace the city’s renowned culture despite her dietary restrictions. “I may be lactose intolerant, but there’s butter and cheese. I think I could die for one day to just experience a little bit of Paris culture.”

Liana’s journey to Paris has been anything but typical. Unlike many Olympians who dedicate their lives solely to their sport, Liana has balanced a full-time career in tech alongside her rigorous training regimen.

“So I got a full-time job,” she said. “I was a student going into Tokyo 2020. But going into this one, I’ve been a full-time person in tech for the past four years now. My path to this Olympics has definitely been a journey in balancing work life and training,” she explained. This unique dual path highlights Liana’s ability to manage the demands of both her professional and athletic careers, a testament to her dedication and time management skills.

However, Liana has learned valuable lessons along the way, particularly when it comes to maintaining balance and avoiding burnout. “Don’t fall into grind culture. I am no longer addicted to the grind; I’m addicted to unwind,” she said. Liana emphasized the importance of rest and self-care, drawing from her own experiences of overworking. “I like to take naps, and I don’t think it’s good to work too hard. It’s not good to burn out. It’s not good to overwork yourself because at some point your body will fall apart, and it will happen sooner than later. I’m speaking from experience, unfortunately,” she added.

The Paralympic Games are set to begin on Thursday in Paris.