TIAN TAO | The Most Exciting Weightlifter Ever

This is the story of Tian Tao, from his record-setting early beginning to his disappointing 'end'. Through his ups and downs, hit makes and his misses. This is Tian's story.
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00:00 - Tian Tao
00:53 - Young Tian Tao
06:48 - New Weight Class
10:07 - The Champion
12:00 - Injury and Retirement

[@WeightliftingHouse]

This hits different now. So long, Tian, you changed the sport forever!

[@yansonggao2484]

I'm a strength coach for the Chinese national swimming team and we trained and lived at the same base with the weightlifting team. On the day that everybody was leaving the base for Tokyo, I saw Tian loading equipments on a truck for his teammates. I asked for his signature and had a quick chat with him. I didn't really know what to say to comfort him cuz I just saw his retirement news a few days ago, so I was like "you'll do great on the national game and enjoy the rest". Tian responded with "thank you", but I still saw the disappointment from his eyes, it was truly heartbreaking.

[@PanditKris]

That's so sad, to be so talented and be left out ! China has too many good lifters so you guys can afford that.

[@omaririgoyen1234]

Tremendous experience man

[@yansonggao2484]

@@LarvaS-hj1eq lol leave your email here let me send you a pic

[@TAKEYOURCREATINE]

@@yansonggao2484 no response from him, lmao. Love when guys like that get called out

[@Zarozian]

@@PanditKris He should lift for America.

[@jacobpascool]

Love this. Other weightlifters may have larger caches but I think the reason Tian is so popular is his relatability. He doesn't just smash through everything like Shi Zhiyong, it looks like he has to fight through it. And that's what us non-professionals can relate to, the struggle, the failures, and the hardship that makes triumph so sweet.

[@koreaface]

It makes it so much more exciting. When the lift means a bomb out or a world record, it adds so much more tension

[@3pacz]

imagine if he stayed healthy and didnt move up in weight^^

[@turkishdelight6032]

Thiccboi Tiao will always be a champion in our hearts. Excellent journalism Seb

[@WeightliftingHouse]

Thank you!

[@Rafael-oq9vu]

cringe

[@phoenyx_6146]

@@Rafael-oq9vu shut up

[@Rafael-oq9vu]

@@phoenyx_6146 cringe

[@JoeARedHawk275]

@@Rafael-oq9vu cringe

[@juniorrodriguez872]

That elbow injury truly haunted Tian Tao his whole career, who knows what he could have done if that injury wasnt there

[@SquatJerkJournalist]

The greatest fisherman

[@darkerisbetter8699]

This is how we get regular people excited about the sport.

[@sourikray1993]

Best comment

[@millermark445]

Those Chinese lifters are remarkable. Super-strong, beautifully built and superb technicians. Thanks again for a most entertaining video and perhaps the most erudite narration I've ever heard about weightlifting. I write this having been retired from OL competition for close to 50 years.

[@joeyye1]

Another thing I particularly like about Tiantao is he actively responds to his fans on his BiliBili account. He is a very funny guy

[@maxm3757]

If Lu does retire, we NEED a full documentary about his career, his rivalries, each of his competitions and the ups and downs along the way

[@damienyuen7718]

Ask the CCP for permission. ; )

[@Citizen2047]

@@damienyuen7718 don't need that tho.

[@fusong1111]

@@damienyuen7718 CCP is bad but they don't really care about medias making documentaries about their athletes, pop stars

[@-wealuka7367]

@@damienyuen7718 I wonder why there will always be some dickhead that will try to bring politics when everyone else are just enjoying the sport and admiring the top athletes. Jealousy? Maybe.

[@user-qb7zx5xp4m]

Actually there are plenty of them. And tons of interviews too. But they are all in Chinese. Btw, Tian, Chen （Olympic record holder Chen Lijun）and Lu‘s coach is the same, who is called Yu Jie, a very considerate and talented coach from the Pla.

[@zennappi]

That 236 clean is my favorite lift of all time. Such a ease..

[@Asterog3624]

Very well written and well presented video Seb, it was a true joy to watch!

[@WeightliftingHouse]

Appreciate it, Asterog!

[@sikastrength]

Heart Attack? More Heart Throb.. ❤

[@Madsakre]

Seb, you're such a talented narrator. I would love to hear audiobooks narrated by you =)

[@ysong00]

The fact that Tian not getting selected to Tokyo still hurts more than many of my own personal failures is a testament to his impact in the WL community. Can’t wait to see him again. Olympics only 2.5 yrs away!

[@J3susChrist]

this video makes me wanna come back to life

[@alexandrasarafoglou4452]

What a great video! Tian Tao is amazing! I believe that you make great portraits of lifters and they are really enjoyable to watch. I do have some (unsolicited) advice or ,maybe better, a fan request: it would be great if you could also feature more women on this channel. It seems to me that a lot of times the videos are either about male lifters only or females are mentioned but are not the main focus (e.g., Italian lifters video or the starting list of worlds). We do have great female athletes as well and I think they deserve more attention and also for the female viewers those videos are more relatable. I understand that as a guy you get more excited about male lifters (also the weights are more impressive) but maybe it's worth considering for the future. Sorry for the rant, I love this channel and I love how much effort goes into every single video

[@atmoodybooty]

You should check out All Things Gym's series on Kuo Hsing-Chun in the meantime! Super inspiring, great narrative arc, and overall really well done.

[@hannarullestad5675]

I completely agree!

[@MountWeissIntrigue]

yes please! Agreed

[@eloiishya]

Seb has already covered Tatiana Kashirina, and I am pretty sure once DEng Wei (64kg) wins her next Olympic gold medal then retires WH will cover her career. Personally I have been watching her since 2015, so I am fully aware at the very least she should be a nomination for a video on WH/HOOKGRIP/ATG. The injury she had, prevented her from going to Tokyo Olympics and basically taking a free give-away prize.

[@evilflowx]

Tian has been a contender in some of the most legendary weightlifting battles of the 2000s. That alone makes him great.

[@drumsonly213]

That was incredible. Your narration and descriptions are that of a top level, seasoned sports journalist. Thank you for the video (and the sweet merch)

[@xuandu6563]

Very good video. Thank you Seb! I got a little emotional watching this. You are a very good narrator, calm yet full of emotions.

[@F7INN]

This was a great one Seb. The storytelling and narration was epic, edge of seat stuff. Lovely cliff-hanger, I now can't wait to see if he goes to Paris. Great video

[@indobesar]

This is an amazing video. What a story! Goosebumps all over!

[@isaiahstackleather3614]

Ya know I gotta agree with the folks who said there was some emotion in this narrating. This video was dope and I think gave me a perspective on and empathy for Tian Tao I haven't had previously. Well done!

[@aquisolosesubentareas3103]

This Is a very entertaining format Seb, thanks a Lot!

[@ulysseciment2951]

Very good video, as a non weightlifter, you made me love this sport as much as mine, Rowing.

[@carlturner-james878]

Another well written, well presented video! Fantastic

[@conormchale4720]

Loving these documentary style videos.

[@stex5026]

I am not a weight lifter, and I actually have always loathed lifting. But I can't stop watching your videos. I appreciate your sincerity in your videos. And I can feel your passion for the sport and the respect you have for these outstanding athletes. Keep up the great work!

[@rawweightlifting8471]

I love these types of vids way more than the news show. I still love the news show and enjoy watching it, but these vids are amazing.

[@onnoholling7107]

Great video again Seb. What a legend he is💪🏋️‍♂️

[@richardrae5049]

Amazing person, an inspiration in all areas of human endeavour.

[@polgzz]

Brilliant video and narration 👌. True joy watching your channel

[@inky4690]

incredible short documentary. No other content quite like yours for weightlifting right now

[@ws2013]

Hi Seb, great video on Tao's story! Can you make a video about Deng Wei? In terms of dominance, she's really the female Shi Zhiyong of her category. In terms of medals and honors, she's only behind Lu in the Chinese team. She doesn't get as much attention but she's clearly one of the GOATs! I really hope she gets the recognition she deserves!

[@jsuewrs135]

That was awesome mate! Well done

[@ClarksvilleBarbellClub]

Great video! Love Tian Tao. Such an exciting lifter.

[@charleslim6514]

seb i really love this video im watching it for a 2nd time already

[@GeorgeWolfski]

I can see Tian's unquenchable spirit from his mind-blowing power and strength, as well as his journey over decades of training. What an incredible athlete.

[@ankitbrother]

Wonderfully done video

[@zeffreynikollaj4003]

Great video, was really hoping for a poster for this documentary as well. A 236 clean poster would be epic

[@joe_black84]

This was fantastic, Seb!

[@vincentd8734]

Great video essay Seb amazing quality

[@Scott-zh5ip]

More of these!

[@jameshung9262]

Definitely my favorite cleaner in the world, many thanks for the video!

[@chrisgeorge84]

This is amazing. Great job. Had me on the edge of my seat. 5:04

[@sidney-on-yt]

Great video of one of my favorite lifters!

[@Ckjohn77kg]

I love you documentaries, keep it up!

[@larsottesen6354]

Really hope to se him on the stage again!

[@thebarbellboi]

beautiful narration seb!!

[@_rcs]

Awesome video. Loved it.

[@snoaa6141]

HUGE LOVE FOR TIAN TAO ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@shantanubharvirkar7759]

NEED MORE VIDS LIKE THIS SEB

[@hx5985]

Thanks for the vids, 3rd time watching

[@sauravshahi5339]

Great little doc!

[@guantingliu1667]

Thank you for the story

[@cadeeconahey6561]

This video is so well made

[@LukeJitsu]

These are gold man

[@projectgowther2562]

Amazing video! 👍

[@liamm3221]

Great video Seb!

[@summervacation99]

beautiful piece bro.

[@JimTheThe]

Great work!

[@jiafarui]

i dont even lift but your narration is so compelling that i love it

[@fc4511]

Great Video Seb!

[@WeightliftingHouse]

Thanks F C!

[@bodgebmx]

Fantastic video

[@ultraL2]

beautiful video.

[@themonkeandthesnek9997]

Mind blowing that this dude is the same age as me. What a legend

[@gratefullybred]

This was awesome. I hope we see tian and me so competing in peak form again someday

[@G3Number]

Thanks again!

[@jarettmeyer4929]

Beautiful video seb

[@pv4240a]

fantastic video

[@nolanhauck9390]

Love the double dip on the 226

[@Brycesjones1]

Amazing video

[@maximt1401]

This was BRiLLiANT !!!!

[@thehaloguy117]

2nd time commenting on this but WE LOVE YOU TIAN! Never give up!

[@bernardjameswilson]

He was already putting up numbers close to Lu at a young age. I guess that injury really prevented him from reaching his peak. We really missed out on something special.

[@buttlesschap]

Despite all he has achieved, it probably still haunts him

[@bernardjameswilson]

@@buttlesschap true that

[@johnzhao4641]

I think we gained someone special; if he wasn't injured he'd just be another weightlifter without any story, so he is truly special because of it.

[@trevorkimm5272]

Very well done Seb

[@watashiwahatchi]

Great vid! New to this channel, subscribed

[@resolveseed6913]

Very interesting video. I don't practice this sport but it entertained me until the end.

[@lukeytutube]

Well presented.

[@ws2013]

Tao's unretirement is no joke! He just officially announced on his ins account and bilibili live stream that he'll return to the national team this month and compete as an 89kg!!!

[@tomasscullion6011]

Great video 👍👍

[@14lamnc1]

GREAT video

[@henryhill1604]

Hi Seb, great video! Also, what are the background tracks playing? Anywhere we can find?

[@Scott-zh5ip]

This was VERY cool

[@fusong1111]

another great vid, Love thicc Tao

[@burningknuckle26]

Tian Tao is the truth😎

[@ldma1119]

His handsome face hasn't changed in 10 years🏋🏻

[@audriuskralikas6103]

Awesome!

[@neophyte400]

Quality content 😎👊

[@travelingmusician3135]

Maybe not another episode of a lifter, but maybe on a club. The history of calstrength and it's main athletes/coaches. Glenn pendlay, max aita, David Spitz, Jon north, Donny Shankle and such

[@FearWarboar4135]

Actually this is an awesome idea. I have a friend who’s just getting into the sport and I have been sending him all of WH history of weightlifters like the Greek team, stuff on the Bulgarians, this video on Tian Tao , stuff on Naim etc. cal strength would be a great start

[@IgnatiusCheese]

Yes

[@toximan2008]

Seb, a video on Donny PLS

[@yikelu]

What a LEGEND with that troll 232

[@jarycooper5192]

first attempt miss, second attempt miss, last chance - the first place. so big heart, and so faith

[@zachofalltrades81]

More videos like this about any and all weightlifters, please sir! You make amazing content!

[@ForzaNewbie]

I was watching the Tao vs moradi live and that 236 clean got me hyped as fuck. And then when moradi came out with 237kg and almost made it was the cherry on top.

[@dailynotinteresting4325]

I didn't know I needed Summoning Salt videos for weightlifting, but yeah, let's go

[@jonnym610]

Need that tian Tao poster

[@BO2Letsplay]

Great video Seb, could you maybe link the music used in the background throughout? Cheers

[@GarRoot]

85kg Tian's training lifts are legendary

[@AnthonyGarcia-sy3yk]

Favorite clean technique ever,,, why you didn't split jerk tian God Damm it lol..

[@gabriel.hongkong]

Do not be sad he may retire. Be happy that he ever took to this sport. Tian Tao may not have won an Olympic gold medal. But he will still be regarded as one of the best ever.