An excellent achievement for an athlete staying fit in old age.
Written by Robert Zeglinski
Brian Winslow, aka “the U.K.’s oldest weightlifter,” brings extra meaning to the saying, ‘age is just a number.’ In a strength context, it appears anyone can push themselves in the gym at any age. Wilson’s feat is the latest example of experienced powerlifting peers displaying expectation-defying abilities.
During the 2023 British Drug-Free Powerlifting Championships on Mar. 18, the 86-year-old Winslow captured a 77.5-kilogram (170.8-pound) raw deadlift. The pulling mark is a Record in the Men’s 60-kilogram weight class in the ages 85-89 division. Winslow appeared to only have a lifting belt adorned for his milestone. The achievement and story were noted on the BBC News Instagram page, where they also received clarifying comments from the athlete.
Winslow had such a productive meet that he actually broke the Men’s 60KG, ages 85-89 World Record on his first attempt when he deadlifted 75 kilograms (165 pounds). He would then follow that pull by adding 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds) onto his loaded barbell to further extend the record.
“I’ll keep carrying on for as long as the body allows.”
At the time of this article’s publication, Winslow does not appear to have any sort of online database denoting his past powerlifting achievements.
That makes it relatively challenging to compare his latest feat with past strength markers for context on how he’s progressed through his lifting career. Winslow also does not appear to have any notable social media presence at the time of this writing, making it unclear how he prepared for this deadlift milestone or how he usually trains.
With all of that said, the athlete seemed rather appreciative in his comments made to BBC News. He may have even thrown in a little joke to lighten the mood after breaking new powerlifting ground.
“It’s always great to get a record or two,” Winslow explained. “I was exhausted straight after but okay.”
I’m the world’s strongest grandpa — I broke weightlifting record at 86 #shorts | New York Post
Unless otherwise stated, it appears Winslow will continue churning forward, notching incredible markers of power and strength. As iconic author, Mark Twain once said: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
The same sentiments can apply to Winslow’s continued powerlifting ambitions.
Featured image: @bbcnews on Instagram
About Robert Zeglinski
Robert is a seasoned and adept editor and writer with a keen, passionate penchant for the writing craft. He’s been a leader in newsrooms such as SB Nation, USA TODAY, and WBBM Newsradio, with various other content and art production teams, and first made a name for himself in his hometown of Chicago. When not knee-deep in research or lost in a stream of consciousness for a thorough piece, you can find Robert inhaling yet another novel, journaling his heart out, or playing with his Shiba Inu, Maximus (Max, for short).