Weightlifting pensioners set sights on competition

David Wallis is entering his first weightlifting contest at the age of 81

Two members of a Kent weightlifting club are preparing to take part in their first ever contests at the ages of 81 and 77.

David Wallis and Rachel Glenny train at Body Mentors in Hildenborough.

They will be taking part in the South East Powerlifting contest in Maidstone on Sunday.

Mr Wallis, 81, will attempt to deadlift 120kg (264.5lbs) as part of the competition.

He said: "The elder of my two granddaughters trains here, so she understands.

"My wife thinks I must be mad but is supporting me by coming on Sunday."

Rachel Glenny, 77, took up weightlifting to deal with a back issue

Grandmother Rachel Glenny, 77, took up weightlifting to deal with a back issue in 2023 and was convinced by her trainer that building strength would help.

She said: "The thing for me is how wonderful it is to have muscles which still enable me to walk around very strongly, keep up with my children, my grandchildren, the dog.

"One of my sons also does weight training. He's 39 and I'm way ahead of him still."