Gym is no longer only a young person's go-to place; Rosemary Nichols didn't shy away from stepping inside the gymnasium at 71, and 16 years later, she's a world record holder standing on podiums most lifters half her age never reach.

The Oregon resident is not only setting goals but also setting state and national records. She set new world records across three categories in her age division at the National Powerlifting League Western regionals in Newport this past week.

Nichols also holds a world record in squat, bench press, and deadlift for the 85+ age division. She achieved this last July at the USPA Power Nationals in Pittsburgh.

Kyle Singh, Nichols' longtime coach, was all praise for her when her deadlift PR reached 92.5 kilograms. "I was nervous to coach her on the platform," Singh said. "But Rosemary crushed it."

Singh now coaches her remotely from Eugene. He has been with her through her uncomfortable days as well; Nichols has worked through hip and shoulder mobility issues for training in her late 80s.

Her consistency, however, is proof that she likes being in uncomfortable situations, even keeping up her deadlift form during COVID lockdowns using a metal bar balanced between two cement blocks at home.

What does it take to keep chasing records after 85?

How a 71-year-old beginner became a powerlifting world record holder

Rosemary Nichols did not lead a sedentary lifestyle before she started lifting weights; movement was always her thing.

Nichols taught Silver Sneakers and aqua fitness for years.

"The hardest part about beginning lifting as an older woman is learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable," Nichols has said of the transition. That discomfort didn't stop her.

She has very practical advice for older women: "Find a certified coach, ideally one who competes themselves, and start exactly where you are".

Nichols now trains at Mount Hood Athletic Club in Sandy.

Would you try a new sport for the first time in your 70s?

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Written by

Proma Chatterjee

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi