Britain’s strongest pensioner breaks world weightlifting record – aged 86

Brian initially wanted to get his arms 'as big as possible for the ladies'

Brian Winslow has been bodybuilding for more than 60 years and still trains six days a week in his home gym in New Mills, Derbyshire.

Last month he broke the British and world record for deadlifting in his age group after he lifted 75kg (165lb) on his first attempt at an international weightlifting contest.

The superfit pensioner - who weighs 2st less than the barbell he was lifting - smashed his own record when he managed 77.5kg (171lb) on his second lift.

He failed to hold onto his third attempt at 78kg (172lb) but his previous lifts were enough to secure him a place in the record books.

Brian was competing in the deadlift at the 2023 British Drug Free Powerlifting Association (BDFPA) championships in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, on 18 March.

Brian, who converted the downstairs of his home into a fully-equipped gym, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have broken the record.

"It's always great to get a record or two. I was exhausted straight afterwards but was fine after a cup of tea and a good meal.

“I’m only disappointed I couldn’t get the third lift. It wasn't too heavy for me, I just got the technique wrong because I was thinking too much about what I was doing.

"I've lifted 80kg before at home and nine years ago I lifted 150kg in the gym."

BDFPA confirmed Brian now holds the British and World Record in the 60kg category for male competitors aged 85 to 89 years.

The retired art teacher got into weightlifting when he worked as a beach attendant arranging deckchairs in Paignton, south Devon, in the 1950s.

Divorced Brian, who has nine grandchildren, remembers: "I'd set myself a target to see how many lifts I could do on each arm and I was just hooked.

"I also wanted to look good for the ladies on the beach so I'd try and get my arms as big as possible. I had a few memorable summers.

“It’s now a compulsion to do weights. It’s become an obsession.

"I make sure I eat the right things like pasta and fresh fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water. "After each competition, I'm pretty drained so I have a few days off from training but I can't bear to be away from the weights for that long."

Brian is so driven he was forced to miss some contests because he suffered acute nosebleeds and had to have a knee replacement.

The dad-of-five celebrated his 86th birthday in January and he says he intends to carry on lifting weights and breaking records into his 90s.

He said: “I know I’m not the normal type of granddad but I love to challenge and push myself and at the end of the day I’m competing for me and no one else.

"I think it's the best event but it is the most taxing. Weightlifting is a huge part of my life, alongside my children and grandchildren. I'll keep carrying on for as along as the body allows but at the moment I feel fighting fit."

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