GQ HEROES 2021

Real heroes don’t wear capes. The individuals on this list are at the top of their respective fields—whether in sport, business, or entertainment. But beyond their personal achievements, these extraordinary folks have brought us much-needed inspiration and cheer in a difficult year. Each has demonstrated empathy, smarts, and courage, driving positive change to create a brighter future. We salute them.

- SHIKHA SETHI

MIRABAI CHANU SAIKHOM

Weightlifter

AGE: 27

WHAT

Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal in the 49 kg category of the women’s weightlifting competition on the first day of the 2020 Olympics, setting the tone for India’s best-ever medal haul at the Games. It was also one of only two silver medals India won in Tokyo.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACED, AND HOW YOU OVERCAME IT

“The biggest challenge was after the Rio [Olympics] 2016, where I failed. I was really troubled. I felt like quitting. I couldn’t understand why I’d failed after so much hard work. My family’s support, in helping me understand that victories and losses happen in the life of a sportsperson, got me through this. I realized I have to do well in the future, work harder, and focus on my training.”

STANDOUT MOMENT FROM YOUR WIN

“When I won a medal on day one, my dream came true. First, I was nervous. Later, I still couldn’t believe I’d won. Even on the podium, it felt like a dream; five years of work had borne fruit. I got such a hug from [coach] Vijay [Sharma], who said I’d fulfilled his dream too.”

BIGGEST LEARNING

“There will be injuries, and you have to deal with them. Some people who get injured or miss medals give up training; they go into a different space. I’ve learnt not to do that.”

DOING THE HEAVY LIFTING

“I’ll start training soon; I want a medal in the Asian Games, which I don’t have. Then there are only three years left for the Paris Olympics [laughs]. I want to convert silver to gold.”