Edith Murway-Traina is a great-great-grandmother and is to celebrate her 100th birthday this Sunday, August 8. But most of all, she is the oldest “weightlifter” in the world to compete in weightlifting.
According to Guinness World Records, Edith holds the title of “oldest competitive weightlifter (female)” after lifting more than 68 kg (150 pounds) on the weightlifting circuit in the United States.
The Tampa, Florida resident was just 91 when she started lifting weights at her local gym, after being invited by her close friend Carmen Gutworth. However, he did not expect to participate in weightlifting competitions (weightlifting in Quebec, weightlifting in English) soon after and win trophies.
“As I watched these women do their thing (lift weights), I thought I could do it too, since I was there, so it shouldn’t be a total loss,” Edith Murway-Traina said. Used to performing in public, the former dancer and dance teacher enjoys staying active and lifting weights with the help of her coach Bill.
He’s gearing up for his next competition in November, but he’s “looking forward” to Sunday’s big celebrations with family and friends to blow out his 100th candle!