A 55-year-old woman took the bodybuilding stage after two decades of training and impressed with her physique. She won her first-ever bodybuilding title in China against much younger competitors but proved that age is just a number.
Wang Jianrong began training years ago and quickly found a passion for fitness. She owns her own gym in Shanghai where she can train while also helping others become the best versions of themselves. Initially, Wang began training to improve her posture and become stronger to avoid injuries in other sports.
Wang discussed her victory with the South China Morning Post and believes that it is all about how you feel.
“There are things more important than looking young. I look old but I am healthy.”
Wang shared that she spent close to two hours in the gym six days a week to prepare. She improved her strength in all the major lifts and this led to a slim build with only 12-15% body fat. Over the years, she has improved her own health and shared different tips for others as well.
“I do not let age limit me. Only when I become stronger, can love myself and my family more.”
Wang is not the first bodybuilder to find the passion for the sport late.
Renee Landers and Her Bodybuilding Journey
Renee Landers, a mother and grandmother from Houston, got a new view on life following back surgery after the birth of her son. Now, Landers feels better at 70 years old than she did in her 20s thanks to her passion for fitness.
In May 2021, Landers stepped on stage for the first time in a bodybuilding competition. At 69 years old, she was the oldest competitor by 20 years but she did not let this get in the way of her goal of becoming a bodybuilder. She finished sixth in the event and she remembers it as one of the best days of her life.
Prior to the birth of her son, Landers would run five or six miles a day. She suffered severe backspin following the birth of her only child and could not run. For 25 years, Landers struggled to do any physical activity because of the pain. That would all change when she went through a lower lumbar fusion surgery in October 2009.
The sport of bodybuilding is one that does not have an age requirement and athletes can begin later in life if they so choose. There have been many success stories about those who began weightlifting and competing after finding the passion for fitness late.
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