Powerlifting is a special sport that welcomes athletes of all ages, allowing them to continually improve themselves. Whether it’s perfecting technique or gaining strength, there’s always room for growth. This was recently displayed by Shelly Stettner, a 72-year-old powerlifter who continues lifting heavier weights with every competition. Most recently, Shelly scored new Squat and Total competition PRs at the 2023 AMP Masters Raw Nationals.
As per her Instagram post, Shelly Stettner took part in the raw 63-kilogram weight class of the competition. In addition, being 72-years-old, Shelly was placed on the Masters IV age division which gathers athletes from 70 to 79 years old.
Shelly Stettner was very happy with her result as she put up the heaviest Squat and Total in her history of competing. The squat came out to 117.5 kilograms (259 pounds), while her Total weighed 327.5 kilograms (722 pounds). In addition, Shelly earned the title of the ‘Best Lifter‘ of the Female Classic Masters.
“Overall very happy with the results and surprised too. Don’t feel this was my best meet performance but I somehow managed to PR my total”
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As per usual, Shelly Stettner weighed in at 60.8 kilograms (134 pounds) for the 2023 AMP Masters Raw Nationals. She attempted all nine lifts and only failed one squat and one bench press. However, that did not stop her from putting up the greatest performance of her career.
World Masters Classic & Equipped Powerlifting Championships
Masters 4
717.6
361.06
Location
Canada-NL
Competition
World Masters Classic & Equipped Powerlifting Championships
Division
Masters 4
Age
71
Equipment
Raw
Class
138.9
Weight
132.1
Squat
242.5
253.5
-259
253.5
Bench
143.3
148.8
149.9
149.9
Deadlift
292.1
308.6
314.2
314.2
GLP
73.63
1
AMP
2022-06-18
Nationals
FR-M4
688.9
344.97
Location
USA-FL
Competition
Nationals
Division
FR-M4
Age
71
Equipment
Raw
Class
138.9
Weight
133.2
Squat
220.5
242.5
253.5
253.5
Bench
132.3
143.3
148.8
148.8
Deadlift
286.6
-303.1
-303.1
286.6
GLP
70.31
1
USAPL
2022-03-04
Arnold Masters of Iron Pro
FR-M4
696.7
349.6
Location
USA-OH
Competition
Arnold Masters of Iron Pro
Division
FR-M4
Age
70
Equipment
Raw
Weight
132.7
Squat
231.5
250.2
250.2
Bench
132.3
141.1
143.3
143.3
Deadlift
303.1
-330.7
-330.7
303.1
GLP
71.27
1
USAPL
2021-12-04
Virginia Pro
FR-M4a
711
357.13
Location
USA-VA
Competition
Virginia Pro
Division
FR-M4a
Age
70
Equipment
Raw
Weight
132.5
Squat
237
248
-253.5
248
Bench
132.3
137.8
-143.3
137.8
Deadlift
303.1
325.2
-330.7
325.2
GLP
72.81
1
USAPL
2021-06-14
Raw Masters Nationals
FR-M4
701.1
349.35
Location
USA-FL
Competition
Raw Masters Nationals
Division
FR-M4
Age
70
Equipment
Raw
Class
138.9
Weight
134.2
Squat
231.5
242.5
242.5
Bench
132.3
137.8
138.9
138.9
Deadlift
308.6
314.2
319.7
319.7
GLP
71.17
1
USAPL
2020-08-01
Motor City Summer Showdown
FR-M3b
666.9
332.56
Location
USA-MI
Competition
Motor City Summer Showdown
Division
FR-M3b
Age
69
Equipment
Raw
Class
138.9
Weight
134
Squat
203.9
226
231.5
231.5
Bench
121.3
126.8
132.3
132.3
Deadlift
270.1
303.1
-314.2
303.1
GLP
67.76
2
USAPL
2020-08-01
Motor City Summer Showdown
FR-O
666.9
332.56
Location
USA-MI
Competition
Motor City Summer Showdown
Division
FR-O
Age
69
Equipment
Raw
Class
138.9
Weight
134
Squat
203.9
226
231.5
231.5
Bench
121.3
126.8
132.3
132.3
Deadlift
270.1
303.1
-314.2
303.1
GLP
67.76
1
USAPL
2019-10-12
Michigan Rookie Rumble
FR-M3b
628.3
313.96
Location
USA-MI
Competition
Michigan Rookie Rumble
Division
FR-M3b
Age
68
Equipment
Raw
Class
138.9
Weight
133.6
Squat
198.4
209.4
220.5
220.5
Bench
115.7
-126.8
-126.8
115.7
Deadlift
275.6
292.1
-303.1
292.1
GLP
63.98
1
USAPL
2019-10-12
Michigan Rookie Rumble
FR-O
628.3
313.96
Location
USA-MI
Competition
Michigan Rookie Rumble
Division
FR-O
Age
68
Equipment
Raw
Class
138.9
Weight
133.6
Squat
198.4
209.4
220.5
220.5
Bench
115.7
-126.8
-126.8
115.7
Deadlift
275.6
292.1
-303.1
292.1
GLP
63.98
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Although it would seem logical that Shelly Stettner has devoted her life to powerlifting in order to reach this stage, she has actually only been competing professionally for a couple of years now. Her debut was back in October of 2019 and she has since taken part in 10 competitions overall. Boasting a perfect 100% win rate, Shelly is most proud of her victory at the 2022 IPF World Masters Classic & Equipped Powerlifting Championships.
Shelly Stettner hasn’t yet revealed what the next goal on her list is, but she will most likely turn her sights toward the 2023 IPF Masters Worlds. She has a title to defend there which should serve as enough motivation to continue training with full force.
If you have questions or need clarifications, please leave a comment below, and Vedad will respond promptly.
Vedad is a journalist specializing in strength sports, with three years of experience covering powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, strongman, armwrestling and bodybuilding. He is a lifelong fitness enthusiast, passionate about all aspects of strength training. Vedad's in-depth knowledge of training methodologies and dedication to constant research fuel his insightful and engaging reporting. He works hard to deliver accurate content while continuously seeking to improve his craft.
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