As humans age, their bodies change. Linda Leightley wanted no part of those changes and began lifting weights at 60. After raising her children, she was feeling sluggish and knew she needed decisive action. As an 80-year-old, she is the top powerlifter of her weight and age class.
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In the video shared by her granddaughter on TikTok, she knocked out four records in her weight and age class. She was able to squat with 116 pounds, curl with 55 pounds, bench press 78 pounds, and deadlift 210 pounds.
The 80-year-old powerlifter began competitive lifting when she was 69. She competes in 100% Raw Powerlifting Organization at 132 pounds. So far, Linda has broken 12 world records, including a 165-pound squat and a 273-pound deadlift. She aims to break at least one record in every competition she enters.
You’re looking at those numbers and thinking they can’t be record-breaking because she squatted 165 pounds and deadlifted 273 pounds earlier. However, powerlifting scores are based on the competitor’s weight and age at the time of the competition. Linda was in a younger age bracket when she broke the earlier records. There aren’t as many 80-year-old powerlifters, so every competition has the potential for record-breaking lifts.
Linda will be chasing one major competitor. Edith Murway-Traina holds records in powerlifting through age 100. Just days before her 100th birthday in 2021, Guinness World Records crowned Edith the world’s oldest competitive powerlifter (female). She was included in the GWR 2022 edition. Sadly, Edith passed away in 2023 at 101. She will remain in our memories as the woman who never quit.
Linda’s family will cheer their hero on as she continues pursuing Edith’s final record.
Please share if you can’t lift 100 pounds.
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