Melanie Lester, 72, left hosts Josie Gibson and Rylan Clark in awe after lifting 100kg live on ITV's This Morning. The pensioner appeared on the show on Wednesday, August 26, to discuss her powerlifting career.
From grief to the national stage
Melanie explained that exercise became a lifeline after her mother died suddenly shortly before the Covid pandemic. She initially signed up for a fitness class to get moving again, but after discovering weight training, she became hooked and began working with a coach.
Her progress was rapid. She moved into competitive powerlifting, reached the national championships, and eventually earned the chance to represent Team GB.
Gold at the British Championships
In June, Melanie took gold in the over-70s category at the British Powerlifting Championships, squatting 100kg. She later repeated that same lift in the This Morning studio, leaving the presenters completely stunned.
Appearing alongside fellow older lifter Mick Wadge, 88, Melanie said lifting has improved her confidence, mental well-being, and physical strength, while giving her something to work towards. She now runs two weekly weightlifting classes to help other older adults experience those benefits.
Strength training for older adults
Melanie believes strength training can be particularly valuable as people get older, including helping to maintain bone strength. "Your bones get weaker as you age, and powerlifting staves off issues like osteoporosis," she said.
Despite being in her seventies, Melanie says she feels perfectly comfortable training alongside much younger gym-goers. "When I go to the gym, there are people in their 20s and 30s, and I just feel like one of them," she said.
Having discovered the sport during one of the most difficult periods of her life, Melanie now wants to show other older people that it is never too late to try something new. "If I can inspire one more person to start lifting weights, it will make my day."
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.
