In a display of strength that would leave many in awe, 81-year-old Ron Brunner from Winnipeg has boldly redefined what it means to be a senior athlete. At “The One Powerlifting Classic” event, held at the bustling Glenlawn Collegiate, Brunner not only competed but set a new provincial bench press record for his age and weight category, lifting an impressive 71.5 lb (32.4 kg). And get this—he’s only been lifting weights seriously for about a year!
Starting from the humble beginnings of small weights, Brunner’s journey to strength is nothing short of inspirational. “I started with 40 lb (18 kg) on the deadlift, and now I’m up to 120 lb (54 kg)!” he shared, a twinkle in his eye revealing the pride and joy of his achievements. Residing in a retirement home, Brunner dedicates four days a week to his training regimen, proving that passion and dedication know no age limits.
Despite the initial skepticism from fellow residents—who cautioned him with dire warnings of injury or worse—Brunner remained undeterred. “You’re going to kill yourself, you’re going to injure yourself,” they said. But Brunner, ever the optimist, invited them instead to join his quest for fitness, embodying a spirit of inclusivity and determination.
Age, for Brunner, was never a barrier but merely a number that holds no sway over his capabilities. His coach, Kyla Camire, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of movement and strength training, especially for seniors. “People think as they get older they need to stop moving, which is the complete opposite of what they need to do,” Camire explained. By staying active, seniors like Brunner not only challenge societal norms but also contribute significantly to their health and well-being.
Brunner’s participation and success have ignited a spark of motivation among his peers and younger competitors alike. Ryan Menard, a fellow lifter, expressed his admiration: “It’s so inspiring seeing people who are a generation older than me that are still at it!” This sentiment captures the essence of Brunner’s impact—a beacon of inspiration encouraging others to pursue their passions, regardless of age.
Looking ahead, Brunner has no plans of slowing down. With a goal to stay in tip-top shape, he humorously suggests that his weightlifting journey might just add another hundred years to his life. While we can’t guarantee the longevity, one thing is for certain: Ron Brunner is living proof that it’s never too late to start, to compete, and to conquer.
So, to all the seniors out there pondering over a new hobby or a long-lost passion, let Brunner’s story be your call to action. It’s time to dust off those dreams and step into the arena (or the gym) with confidence. Who knows? You might just be the next record-breaker, proving once and for all that age is but a number and strength is eternal.
