Most people slow down with age, but not Ravi Sood.
At 82, he’s training to represent Australia at the World Masters Powerlifting Championships — and he only started lifting at 70.
After a double knee replacement and surviving a heart attack, Ravi’s journey proves that strength and resilience don’t have an expiration date.
His story is more than just about breaking records — it’s about breaking stereotypes of ageing, inspiring others well into their golden years.
So how did a retired astrophysicist become one of Australia’s most inspirational athletes? And what does his remarkable transformation teach us about health, strength, and ageing gracefully?
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From Knee Replacements to National Records
Ravi Sood took up weightlifting with a simple goal: to make his upcoming knee surgery easier. At the advice of his orthopaedic surgeon, he started strength training to build muscle before the operation.
“Both my knees needed replacing, and the surgeon said that if I had my muscles in good condition, the surgery would be easier,” Ravi said in an interview with ABC News.
That proactive decision at age 70 quickly evolved into a passion. Ravi not only recovered better than expected but fell in love with lifting heavy — something he’d never imagined doing before.
Fast forward 12 years, and Ravi holds the Australian national record in his age and weight category for the deadlift: 115 kilograms.
Now, he’s preparing to fly to South Africa to compete on the world stage — fulfilling a dream many athletes never realize.
‘Life Doesn’t Stop When You Get Older’
For Ravi, powerlifting has never been about the medals.
“I don’t really care if I win any medals,” he said. “Just to represent my country at an international level, that’s out of this world.”
His coach, Megan Hinchley, has trained Ravi since he started lifting. She says his success proves that ageing doesn’t have to mean slowing down.
“You never have to stop giving things a go,” she said. “It just shows that life doesn’t stop when you get older — that you can continue to have goals and to push yourself.”
In fact, Ravi’s grit has inspired others at his gym to chase their own goals. One of them was an 83-year-old woman who decided to compete in powerlifting after watching him train.
It’s not just older adults who find Ravi inspiring — younger members see him grind through workouts and feel challenged to match his determination.
Why Strength Training Should Be a Pillar of Healthy Ageing
While Ravi’s story is extraordinary, the benefits he’s experiencing are well-grounded in science.
Regular strength training in later life helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis, maintains muscle mass, improves balance, and supports heart health, according to the CDC and multiple studies reviewed by Harvard Health.
It can also help manage chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and depression, while boosting independence and mobility as people age.
Ravi’s own journey illustrates this perfectly. Despite facing a heart attack and having both knees replaced, he’s bouncing back stronger — literally.
“When people are young, they like to be strong and fit for sport or looks,” said coach Hinchley. “As you age, it’s about living the life you want to live — and strength training helps people do that.”
Lifting More Than Just Weights — Building a Supportive Community
One unexpected outcome of Ravi’s transformation is the strong community he’s found through lifting. He describes powerlifting competitions as inclusive and encouraging.
“Everyone cheers you on,” he said. “There’s no ‘I’m going to kill you’ vibe like in hockey or football.”
His presence brings people together — reminding everyone in the gym that age isn’t a barrier to starting something new, getting stronger, or being part of a team.
Veronika Pasalic, a fellow lifter, shared how Ravi inspired her to train for longevity and health.
“Seeing someone in their 80s lifting what he’s lifting is super inspiring,” she said. “I want to be like Ravi when I grow up.”
How to Start Strength Training Later in Life
If you’ve been inspired by Ravi and are considering adding strength training to your routine at any age, experts recommend starting slow and focusing on proper form first.
Here are some beginner-friendly tips:
- Get medical clearance, especially if you have any preexisting health conditions.
- Start with bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups (against a wall or bench), and rows.
- Gradually incorporate light dumbbells or resistance bands.
- Work with a qualified coach or personal trainer who understands training older adults.
- Listen to your body and rest when needed — recovery is key to progress.
Most importantly, find joy and connection in the process, just like Ravi has with his gym community and Slim Dusty playlist.
The Final Lift: Redefining What’s Possible at Any Age
Ravi Sood’s story is more than a feel-good tale — it’s a powerful example that it’s never too late to challenge yourself, find purpose, and inspire others.
His journey is rewriting the rules on what ageing looks like, both inside the gym and out in the world.
And as he steps onto the world stage wearing the green and gold, he’s not just lifting weight — he’s lifting expectations and possibilities for what later life can look like.
As coach Hinchley put it, “You never know where something might take you.”
