Grandmothers are truly heaven-sent. They have an indescribable way of making you feel safe and loved, no matter what happens or how you mess up. Always sweet, doting, and full of wisdom, grandmothers bring comfort like no one and nothing else in this world. Plus, they’ve got the best cooking.
Basically, it seems like they’ve got everything down pat – even something as unexpected as weightlifting!
Yes, you read that right. Weightlifting.
So much for using the word “grandma” to label people you assume are physically weaker or slower!
Edith Murway-Traina of Tampa, Florida, sets the bar high and defies stereotypes with her unconventional hobby.
She got into the habit of lifting weights because of her friend, Carmen Gutwirth, who was 75 years old then. It’s important to note that this all began when Edith was 91 years old (she’s 100 now!). Plus, she’s also a great, great-grandma.
Carmen told ABC Action News,
“Sometimes, she’s tired. Sometimes, she doesn’t feel like coming to the gym, but she fights through it.”
As if it’s not surprising enough that Edith decided to work out with a trainer thrice a week, she made jaws drop all over when she began to compete. Of course, that also meant bringing home trophies.
Her passion and drive continue to surprise and inspire people all over. Even the people at Guinness World Records took notice.
Now, Edith is recognized as the world’s oldest competitive powerlifter.
Guinness World Records say on their site:
“Lifting weights upwards of 40-150 pounds, Edith is smashing the competitive powerlifting circuit, dazzling viewers and judges alike with her graceful lifts.”
Delighted at the recognition and feature, Edith shared how honored she felt when she first found out Guinness World Records wanted to include her. According to the incredible grandma, the Guinness Book of Records is something that takes her right back to her childhood, with her mother. She told ABC Action News,
“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.”
It’s hard to picture your grandparents lifting weights at their age and actually winning competitions but Edith proves that anyone can do anything if they just put their minds to it – coupled with discipline and determination, of course. Edith’s trainer, Bill Berkley, may be used to her by now but he still marvels at her strength and how she unintentionally proves people wrong and defies odds.
“It is such a challenge, and to do it at that level at that age is mind-blowing.”
And speaking of challenges, Edith explained,
“Going on a regular basis, I found that I was enjoying it and I was challenging myself to get a little bit better. Before long, I was part of the team. It’s like everything else in this world – if you don’t try it, you’ll never know if you can do it.”
Always choosing to have a positive outlook as she cultivates her strengths, Edith hopes more people are encouraged by her example, especially the ones who come across her feature in the Guinness Book of Records.
Watch the video below to know more about this awesome, powerlifting grandma!
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