While most people slow down with age, a 103-year-old WWII veteran is showing how age is just a number by lifting weights.

The person in the discussion is Roy Caldwood, a combat medic who served in the all-Black 92nd Infantry Division, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, during WWII.

On January 9, the WWII Veterans History Project shared an Instagram reel that showcased Caldwood performing his own version of bicep curls with a pair of 15lbs dumbbells.

The post praised the legend with the caption, “At 103 years old, WWII veteran Roy Caldwood is still lifting weights and working out multiple times every week.”

Caldwood, who entered the US Army in 1943, also explained his gym routine as he lifted a pair of dumbbells.

He said, “I go to the gym once a week, and I prepare for the gym here, so when I go, I'm ready for 'em”.

Caldwood also showed that he still holds his humour by cracking a joke about his age. He said, “I used to be very good, I'm not that good now, I'm working up to it. Eventually, by the time I see you guys again, I'll be back in shape”.

During an interview with Benjamin Mack Jackson, the 103-year-old veteran revealed that on one mission, he escorted Italian villagers down a notorious road known as “Purple Heart Stretch”.

Caldwood also explained, “God gave me many opportunities, and I always tried to do the best that I could…. Why he left me here, I really don’t know. I just go day by day and try to keep myself as strong as possible, so I’ll be ready to do whatever is necessary”.

The video of the WWII veteran has caught attention from many fans, including some bodybuilding legends.

Legends of bodybuilding praised Roy Caldwood

Roy Caldwood's workout video epitomized wheelpower and real strength. And when it comes to strength, no one better than a 7-time and 8-time Mr. Olympia can understand.

The famous Arnold Schwarzenegger praised the veteran through his fitness awareness platform, Arnold's Pump Club. It's official Instagram account reacted to the post with three fire emojis.

The 8-time Mr. Olympia, Lee Haney, also appreciated Caldwood, writing, “My Hero!!! Absolutely amazing. Thank you, sir”.

Indeed, Caldwood is a hero. Once his trainer, Mike Guergan, said about him, “I have clients 30, 40 years younger than them that aren't as in good of shape as he is…. He's very impressive”.

So, do you know anyone who is as active as the WWII veteran at 103?

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Souvik Roy