Aug 23, 2021

100-year-old woman sets Guinness World Record for weightlifting

100-year-old woman sets Guinness World Record for weightlifting

As a person enters the latter stages of their life, the rate at which their strength diminishes is based upon usage. If you don’t use it, you most certainly lose it, but it is never too late to try and whip yourself back into shape.

Edith Murway-Traina, who is 100 years old, first ventured into a gym at the age of 91, when a 75-year-old friend invited her to give it a go.

“Here I was lifting weights pretending I was Charles Atlas,” said Edith.

“And I thought, it’s not so bad … maybe I can do this again another time, so I did.”

Soon after her introduction to the world of weightlifting, Edith decided to employ the services of a personal trainer three days a week. Soon thereafter, she committed to challenging herself even further and began entering competitions.

“It is such a challenge, and to do it at that level at that age is mind-blowing,” said trainer Bill Berkley, from Strong Life Tampa Bay.

Edith’s presence in her local gym has become a point of inspiration for many. Earlier this year, the centenarian caught the attention of Guinness World Records, who honoured the grandmother by recognising her as the world’s oldest powerlifter. 

Being named in the Guinness Book of World Records has a unique personal significance for Edith, whose mother was an avid reader of the book. 

The weightlifter’s mother also used the feats within the book as an example to a young Edith that anything is possible.

“She loved the Guinness Book of Records and she used to thumb through it lots of times to see all the people who could do things that people said they never could,” shared Edith.

While the physical benefits of exercise are well known, Edith has also relished the ego-boost that comes from wowing the public. 

“When I lift that [barbell] up and I get some applause, that’s all I need, that does it for my ego,” said Edith.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Dying to Know Day – What Matters to You?

Dying to Know Day, on August 8th, is an annual day dedicated to bringing to life conversations and community actions around death, dying and bereavement. Dying to Know Day is a social movement aimed at destigmatizing the discussion of dying. Sharon Billings, an Advance Care Planning Clinician with Alfred Health, says 50 percent of us will... Read More

Surprise outcome for 78yo with dementia following major financial scam

A 78-year-old man recently diagnosed with dementia has claimed a major win against scammers after ANZ acknowledged it “could have done more” to support him during the ordeal, and now he’s been reimbursed for almost half a million dollars. Read More

94-year-old grandmother fulfils long overdue wedding day wish

Almost 70 years after being banned from entering bridal shops because of her skin colour, Ms Tucker’s grandchildren made her dream of finally wearing a wedding dress come true. Read More
Advertisement