Reaching your 100th birthday is an incredible milestone for most, but Edith Murway-Traina’s birthday was extra special.
Edith rang in the milestone as a record holder, having secured the Guinness World Records title for the oldest female competitive powerlifter.
The Florida-based strongwoman can deadlift 165 pounds and bench press 65 pounds, ABC 7 Chicago reports.
The great-great-grandmother only started lifting weights at the age of 91 when her friend Carmen Gutworth invited her to the gym.
Edith told Guinness World Records: “While I was watching those ladies doing their thing, I thought I just as well should pick up a few bars, and I did.
“Going on a regular basis, I found that I was enjoying it, and I was challenging myself to get a little bit better and a little bit better. Before long, I was part of the team."
The centenarian added: "I think in my nineties, I became more aware of the need for people to be recognized for who they are, or what they are, or how they are and it’s the most beautiful thing in the world. I think I survive on that, mostly, myself."
Edith is a former line-dancing instructor and said that as a performer and dancer, she’s always enjoyed getting a round of applause.
“As long as I could get a little bit of applause, I was happier each I time I got more and more applause,” she said. “Once people found out I was in my nineties and I was doing all of these things, it got to be more noticeable. People got to pay attention more."
Before the pandemic she was training three times a week with her trainer. Now, she’s gearing up once again to compete in November.
She shared her secret to longevity with the NY Post and it’s very simple — lots of laughter.
