Powerlifter competition named for 97-year-old powerhouse

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Age is nothing but a number to 97-year-old Edith Traina because she’s a competitive powerlifter.

“Being up there and being able to lift a couple of pounds and have people applaud that's great,” Traina explained.

The line dancing instructor began accompanying a friend to the gym at the age of 91, and 6 years later she’s competing in a local senior team.

Dozens of lifters, some as young as 13, met for the Edith Traina Inspirational Open in Tampa on Saturday.

Traina also lifted at the Open but due to a wrist injury, she did not participate in the squat competition.

"My record is 150 pounds, but because I broke my wrist I had to go back and start all over again so I'm back to 130 pounds,” an update on her deadlifting statistics.

Traina is a part of a team of senior women who train and lift competitively.

She won gold at the Polk County Senior Games in February for bench press and deadlift.

With a little help from the spotters, Traina made her way to the bench to complete her press on Saturday.

Traina is proof that you’re never too old to defy expectations.