A 70-year-old nan-of-four has proven age shouldn’t hold anyone back by becoming a world champion powerlifter. Susan Sabuda, who began training in her sixties, insists the sport isn’t just for young people.
The mum-of-four took up the sport at the age of 64 and has since competed in various countries including Canada, Spain, Sweden, Hungary and Lithuania. People are often taken aback when they discover that she is a Team GB powerlifter, given her age.
Susan, a retired gardener, was recently crowned world champion in the masters four division of the IPF World Masters Powerlifting Championships. She said: “Knowing I’m world champion is quite hard to take in, it’s quite overwhelming.”
“People are always really amazed, which I really appreciate because it’s so kind. Most people assume there’s certain things that I should or shouldn’t do but it’s not exclusive to the younger generation.”
In her younger years, Susan participated in athletics and bodybuilding but took a break for several years as she found it addictive. When ET Fitness, a new gym, opened near her home in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, she decided to start powerlifting.
Susan said: “There was no getting away from weights, I used to like working out with weights. It makes you feel good and with bodybuilding, you can change how you look so I found it really fascinating.”
Her journey into powerlifting began when she stumbled upon ET Fitness, where she felt an instant connection due to the presence of weights. She said: “But then I became addicted so dropped out but I really missed the weights.”
“When I went into ET Fitness, I felt like I was at home because of the weights and then I was introduced for powerlifting. I did my first competition and thought it was fabulous and it’s just snowballed from there really.”
Susan’s talent and dedication eventually led to her competing for Team GB in 2020, an opportunity she never thought would arise. She said: “I didn’t think in a month of Sundays that I would ever compete for Team GB.
“When I first got the invitation, I was blown sideways. Everyone was so lovely and inclusive, they just pulled me into their family.”
Susan highlighted the unique aspect of powerlifting, where individuals compete as a team for their country rather than against each other. As an older lifter, Susan is now encouraging others in her age group to take up powerlifting, citing its numerous benefits.
She explained: “I’m an older lifter so I’m learning that I can still do things. The result of powerlifting is that you end of getting stronger bones, more mobility and I’ve had four children so my body is getting pulled back into where it should be. I’m also surrounded by like-minded people.”
Susan’s experience with Team GB has not only introduced her to a new family but also allowed her to explore different parts of the world. She said: “I then started competing for Team GB and was also surrounded by like-minded people, and I started seeing different parts of the world. I have another family now, because this is so family-orientated.”