Octogenarian bench presser testing her limitsーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Bench Press World Champion (Over 70, 52 kg class)
• Sahara Desert Marathon (250 km)
• Hip Injury
• Protein-rich Diet
• Daily Gyro Care Routine
• Competitive Spirit

Noriko Ida: An 89-Year-Old Bench Press World Champion

This report details the remarkable achievements of Noriko Ida, an 89-year-old woman from Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo, who has become a world champion in the bench press. Her journey is characterized by overcoming significant setbacks and a unique approach to athletic pursuits.

From Marathon Runner to Weightlifter: A Drastic Shift

Ida's athletic career began later in life. At the age of 71, she embarked on a challenging 250-kilometer marathon across the Sahara Desert. After three attempts, she successfully completed the demanding course, demonstrating exceptional endurance and determination. However, this intense training led to a severe hip injury, forcing her to abandon long-distance running, a sport she deeply loved.

Discovering Bench Press and Setting New Goals

The hip injury left a void in Ida's life, prompting her to seek a new activity. She discovered the bench press, describing it as "like flowers blooming at the end of my life." This marked a significant shift from endurance running to strength training.

Ida's Training and Lifestyle Philosophy

Ida's approach to her new sport is characterized by a focus on longevity and injury prevention. She adheres to a disciplined routine:

• Training Frequency: She trains three times a week with a personal trainer.
• Injury Prevention: Ida emphasizes not pushing herself too hard to preserve her body.
• Daily Routine: She never skips her daily "gyro care" routine, which likely refers to a form of physical therapy or specialized exercise for maintaining mobility and health.
• Diet: Her diet is rich in protein, including fish consumed "whole bones and all," suggesting a focus on nutrient density and calcium intake.

Competitive Success and Future Aspirations

Ida's dedication has led to significant competitive success. She has won back-to-back world championships in the bench press in the last two years, competing in the 52-kilogram class for athletes over 70.

At a local event attended by approximately 100 athletes, Ida, as the oldest participant, was a crowd favorite. She successfully met her goal of lifting 50 kg, which is nearly her own body weight. Reflecting on her achievements, Ida stated, "I'm past my peak, but I'm tapping the brakes and saying, 'Hold on a second. It's pretty fun.'"

Ida plans to compete at next year's World Championship with the aim of reclaiming her title, demonstrating her continued drive and passion for the sport.

Conclusion

Noriko Ida's story is an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, adaptation, and a commitment to lifelong fitness. Her transition from elite marathon running to world-class bench pressing, despite a career-ending injury, highlights her remarkable spirit. Her disciplined training regimen, focus on injury prevention, and protein-rich diet are key factors in her sustained success. Ida's achievements at 89 years old serve as a powerful example that age is not a barrier to pursuing athletic excellence and finding joy in new challenges.