In less than a year, Irawan won a gold medal at a national-level event. This early success set the tone for his career. He continued to win medals every year, leading to his international debut in 2006, representing Indonesia.

Irawan's most memorable achievement is winning a medal at each of his four Olympic appearances. He claimed bronze at the 2008 and 2012 Games, silver at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, and another silver in the 61kg category at the 2020 Tokyo Games. This made him the first Indonesian athlete to win four Olympic medals.

Challenges and Injuries

Irawan has faced several injuries throughout his career. He competed with an injured knee at the 2023 South East Asian Games in Cambodia. In April 2019, he sustained a left ankle injury. In February 2018, he was hospitalised due to typhoid.

In 2016, a knee injury affected his preparation for the 2017 South East Asian Games. He also fractured a bone in his right lower leg before the 2012 Olympic Games and sustained a hamstring injury before the 2008 Olympic Games.

Personal Life and Family

Irawan resides in Bekasi, Indonesia, with his wife Masita, daughter Naicilla Salsabila Irawan, and son Muhammad Azzam Al Hafidz. His wife has also competed in weightlifting at the national level in Indonesia.

The birth of his son Muhammad Azzam Al Hafidz was a significant moment for Irawan. His son was born a week after he won a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia. His wife watched him compete while pregnant, adding an emotional layer to his victory.

Coaches and Training

Irawan trains with coaches Yon Haryono, Lukman, Joni Firdaus, and Erwin Abdullah at Kota Metro in Indonesia. His dedication to training has been evident since his early days when he joined a national weightlifting training centre in Bogor after finishing primary school.

Philosophy and Inspirations

Irawan's sporting philosophy is encapsulated in his motto: "Impossible is nothing." He draws inspiration from Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. His hobbies include various sports activities.

Future Ambitions

Irawan aims to win gold at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. He plans to retire after these Games but remains focused on preparing young lifters to be his successors. "I don't want to retire yet; I still don't have the [Olympic] gold medal," he said.

Early Life and Background

Irawan's early life was marked by hard work and responsibility. His father worked as a rickshaw driver, and his mother was a vegetable trader in Lampung, Indonesia. As a boy, he herded goats, which taught him responsibility. "If I lost a goat, I had to pay for it," he recalled.

Irawan's journey from herding goats to becoming an Olympic medallist is inspiring. His dedication to weightlifting and resilience through injuries highlight his commitment to the sport. As he prepares for the 2024 Olympics, he continues to inspire young athletes in Indonesia and beyond.