Judge does weightlifting justice
 |
Judge Ireland broke the American squat record for her age and weight with a 198-pound lift.
Story Tools
|
OLYMPIA, Washington (AP) -- This justice gives new meaning to the words "bench press."
State Supreme Court Justice Faith Ireland won her second national powerlifting championship over the weekend, grabbing a spot for herself on the USA Masters Team for world competition.
On Saturday, the 61-year-old justice broke the American squat record for her age and weight with a 198-pound lift. In the deadlift, Ireland set a personal record of 253 pounds.
She's proudest of her 133-pound bench press -- not just because it set another national record, but because she achieved her long-standing personal goal of benching more than her 130-pound weight.
"That's kind of a mark among people who lift weights," the gym-savvy judge explained. "At my age, I'm happy to do it!"
Twenty years ago, Ireland was overweight, out-of-shape and nearly crippled by back pain from a car accident. She started lifting weights about four years ago as physical therapy for her back, and says it has transformed her life.
"Powerlifting has been a personal fountain of youth for me," Ireland said.
Copyright 2004 The
Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
