Competitive Powerlifter · United States Powerlifting Association (USPA)
BE STRONG FOR WHAT'S NEXT.
A channel about getting stronger while getting older — training, comebacks, and proving age doesn't set the limit. As the first year of baby-boomers turns 80, Mike demonstrates that it is possible to get stronger as one gets older.
The Short Version
Mike was late to the iron game. Prostate cancer at 58 changed his mindset: be strong for what's next. At 60, he benched 200 pounds for the first time and thought, "If I can do 200, why not 300?" Three and a half years later, he did. Looking for "old men strength clubs," he found USPA and competed in his first meet at 65.
His journey has included two knee replacements, a heart attack at 76, two shoulder surgeries, and cervical radiculopathy that weakened his dominant arm for six months. Through every setback, he came back stronger, proving it's never too late to build strength and resilience.
"Be Strong for What's Next was a decision — to get as strong as he possibly could, and face whatever challenges life threw at him going forward."
On the Channel
Follow Mike's training at 80 years old on his YouTube channel — playlists and videos covering warm-ups, accessory work, meet preparation, and nutrition.
An update on Mike's plans for the rest of 2026: a hamstring injury has scratched the IPL Olympia Pro (full story below). His focus now shifts fully to the SuperAge Games, the world's first longevity fitness competition, where he competes alongside his son.
Five powerlifting world records were in reach. Turning 80, his 777-lb Ultra total earned International Elite classification — the highest level of powerlifting.
A hamstring injury has taken this one off the table. Mike is in rehab now, with roughly 3 months of recovery expected before he's back under the bar. Full details in this week's video.
Not powerlifting — lifespan and longevity. The world's first longevity fitness competition, where Mike and his son (almost 50) compete together as Team Silver Iron Warriors.
Event detailsMen 80-84 (Tested)
Competitive powerlifter since 2011 — USPA California State Referee and ACSM Certified Personal Trainer (emeritus). Still on the platform at 80.
Based on his 777-lb total from May 26, 2026, Mike moves up to International Elite classification on his 80th birthday — the highest level of powerlifting. To keep it, he has to keep lifting and getting stronger — a USPA/IPL total above 766 lb roughly once a year. As Mike puts it, "You just have to live long enough."
The total is from the single May 26, 2026 USPA Tested UltraNationals meet; the squat, bench, and deadlift are Mike's best marks within the Olympia qualifying period (bench from August 2025) — so the three lifts don't sum to the total. At 80, these exceed the current Men 80-84 world records: four full-power marks plus the single-lift deadlift record.
On YouTube
Three California state records set at the USPA Tested UltraNationals — plus the training, the setbacks, and the comebacks on the road to the platform.
My Deadlift at UltraNationals Set a State Record — Part 3
In the Gym
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Training Gear
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