82-Year-Old Powerlifter Inspires at Senior Games

Quick Smiles:

• 82-year-old Faith O’Reilly is set to shine at the National Senior Games as powerlifting debuts.
• Faith’s journey began in law school, leading to multiple state championships.
• She continues to inspire, proving age is just a number in the fitness world.

At the ripe age of 82, Faith O’Reilly is proving that strength knows no age.

She is the oldest female participant in powerlifting at the 2025 National Senior Games, marking the first time this sport is featured in the event’s history.

Faith’s powerlifting journey began during her time at law school.

Recalling her first encounter with the sport, she said, “I was watching it and thought, ‘Well, I can do that.’”

This self-assuredness propelled her to win several state championships while balancing her studies.

She graduated and went on to teach legal studies and paralegal work at the undergraduate level.

After retiring, Faith relocated to Saguache, Colorado, and rekindled her passion for powerlifting in 2007.

She is a strong advocate for the sport, emphasizing its benefits: “It’s overall good for you physically, and as you age you can have problems with bone density and losing muscle tone.”

In 2023, she showcased her athletic prowess by winning a gold medal in the women’s triathlon relay for the 75 and older category. She accomplished this feat alongside her younger sister and a close friend.

Faith finds joy in connecting with others who share her enthusiasm for fitness.

“It’s really fun to see and interact with other people who are enjoying being more fit than the rest of our age group,” she shares.

At the event, the oldest competitor was 103, giving Faith a new milestone to aim for.

Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the joy of staying active, no matter your age.

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