Among the greatest Masters powerlifters in the world, Shelly Stettner founded the belief that no one is ever too old to become the best in what they want. Now, she is once again continuing to prove her statements, having just landed new squat and bench press Personal Records (PRs) at the age of 72-years-old. In addition, Shelly shared both of her new achievements on Instagram.
The first PR that Shelly Stettner locked out was the squat of 265 pounds (120.2 kilograms). She did so by putting on a pair of knee sleeves and a lifting belt, dropping under the barbell, and easily squatting 265 pounds (120.2 kilograms).
Shelly Stettner then scored another personal record on the bench press. After a few warm-up sets, Shelly ramped up to a 155-pound (70.3-kilogram) bench, the heaviest she has ever lifted. Although it did not look as easy as her squat PR, the bench press still looked quite comfortable for Shelly.
Shelly Stettner is currently preparing for the 2023 Powerlifting America (AMP) Masters Raw Nationals, which is set to take place on June 2-3, in Phoenix. Shelly won the AMP Nationals last year as well, and is now coming back to defend her title.
Apart from her National title, Shelly Stettner has also claimed other titles which lifted her to the status of the sport’s greatest athlete. Most notably, Shelly won the 63-kilogram weight class of the 2022 IPF World Masters Classic & Equipped Powerlifting Championships. In addition, Shelly also set four new masters IPF World Records at the Masters’ Championships.
So, Shelly Stettner hopes to defend both her National and World titles this year, but judging by her new PRs, she also has the potential to break some more World Records.
Overall, Shelly Stettner has taken part in nine sanctioned powerlifting competitions and won eight of them. Still, the most impressive factor is that she began competing at 68-years-old, and is now better than ever before.
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: April 12, 2023
Shelly Stettner has encountered some difficulties during her preparation for the 2023 AMP Nationals. She has had to work around problems with injuries and new rulesets for some time now. However, none of these setbacks were enough to stop Shelly, who now set new PRs in the bench press and the squat.
Vedad is a lifelong fitness enthusiast, who is especially passionate about all things Strength related. Vedad loves to write about strength sports just as much as he likes to train. Worked hard to gain his knowledge, but is still in a constant chase for improvement.
Correctly performing powerlifting movements is essential for developing a solid foundation for everyday movements. As individuals age, they often turn...
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