While grandmothers usually spend time with their grandchildren playing or pursuing other hobbies such as knitting, this Tampa grandmother has a unique favorite thing to do, namely weightlifting.
Merwei-Trina started getting into weightlifting when she was 91 years old. One of her friends named Carmen Gutwit introduced her to the sport. Meanwhile, Guthwith once said with a laugh that sometimes Edith is cranky and doesn’t want to go to the gym.
“However, she struggles with all the fatigue,” the friend added.After being introduced to the world of weightlifting, Mervay-Train began working out three days a week with a Jaguar Crossfit trainer. Gradually she was able to lift heavier weights and began competing in various competitions. “It’s a real challenge to get old, to do it at her age is mind-blowing,” trainer Bill Berkley told reporters.
Interestingly, Edith’s hobby caught the attention of the Guinness Book of World Records, she was named the oldest powerlifter in the world. An edition of the book bearing the woman’s name was released in September 2021. Merwei-Tryna said being in the Guinness Book of World Records was an honor and made her think back to her childhood with her mother. “She loved the Guinness Book of World Records, and she would reread it over and over again, seeing all the people who could do things that a lot of people can’t,” Edith said.
The woman hopes she can inspire many to take up the sport. “It’s just like everything else in the world: if you don’t try it, you’ll never know if you can do it,” is the kind of message the older woman is broadcasting to all people to be unafraid and take action. She is also sure that lifting weights is very good for her health, both mental and physical. That’s why she has no plans to give up working out. And how often do you go to the gym?