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65-Year-Old Wins World Powerlifting Title, Highlighting Strength Training
Martine Barons is a 65-year-old grandmother who won a world powerlifting title.
She started weightlifting less than three years ago.
Her story shows that people can build strength later in life.
As people age, they naturally lose some muscle and strength.
Safe strength exercises can help with activities such as climbing stairs, rising from a chair and carrying shopping.
They may also support balance, bones and confidence.
Older adults do not need to become competitive powerlifters to benefit.
They can start with exercises such as sit-to-stands, resistance bands or light weights.
People with health problems, weak bones or a history of falls should seek professional advice first.
Martine Barons, 65, won her third world powerlifting title after taking up weightlifting less than three years ago.
She competed in the 65-85 age category at the AWPC World Powerlifting Championships on September 14, 2026.
Strength training can help older adults preserve muscle, mobility, balance and independence as ageing-related muscle loss occurs.
Resistance and weight-bearing exercises may support bone health and metabolic health when included in a balanced routine.
Adults aged 65 and above are generally advised to perform muscle-strengthening activities at least two days weekly, with exercises adapted to their abilities.
- Who
- Martine Barons, a 65-year-old grandmother from Stratford-upon-Avon, and older adults considering strength training.
- What
- Barons won her third world powerlifting title, while the article explains the potential benefits and precautions of strength training after 60.
- Where
- The AWPC World Powerlifting Championships; Barons is from Stratford-upon-Avon.
- When
- Barons competed on September 14, 2026.
- Why
- The achievement highlights how maintaining muscle strength may help older adults preserve mobility, independence, balance and physical confidence.
Key facts
- Athlete
- Martine Barons
- Age
- 65
- Achievement
- Third world powerlifting title
- Competition
- AWPC World Powerlifting Championships
- Age category
- 65-85
- Competition date
- September 14, 2026
- General guidance
- Adults aged 65 and above are generally advised to perform muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week.
Quotes
Dr Dharam Pandey
Physiotherapy specialist quoted in the article on adapting strength-training programmes for older adults
“Progressive resistance rather than simply exercising harder is the important principle.”
NDTV




