Senior Powerlifting competitor highlights benefits of strength training for older generation

A great-grandmother in her 80s, who has beaten breast cancer for the third time, has highlighted the benefits of strength training with her multiple Australian and World powerlifting records at the Capo Powerlifting Australia competition on 9th December at Maritime Green, Hamilton Northshore in Queensland.

Mater Private Hospital Redland patient, Heather Maddern, has fought cancer three times since 2015 and two years ago received a shock diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Maddern turned to strength training as part of her exercise regime following her last cancer treatment in April.

The Capalaba grandmother-of-three, and great-grandmother-of-four, was the first woman in her 80s to compete in the Capo Powerlifting Australia competition - targeting a record deadlift of 80kgs at the competition.

Maddern shared “Powerlifting has made me mentally and physically stronger, it’s something I never thought I would have been able to do.

 “It all started when I reached out to a local strength training facility asking for help to build up my strength.”

Owner of JC Strength and head coach of Anytime Fitness Capalaba Jillian Cox said Maddern was “Australia’s strongest grandma” adding “when Heather told me her story, I knew exactly what she needed to do. She could hardly stand up properly when she first walked through the doors – her stability was shot.

“Heather does Bulgarian split squats, and her stability is crazy – it just shows what strength training does for the older generation.”

Maddern, who is now in remission, received treatment at Mater Cancer Care Centre Redland, which involved removal of lymph nodes, as well as chemotherapy, followed by 25 rounds of radiation ending in April.

Mater Private Hospital Redland oncologist Dr Vikram Jain cared for Maddern, along with breast surgeon Dr Jason Lambley.

Dr Jain noted “Exercise and fitness is important for cancer patients – and Heather never gave up. She was supported by the local team at Mater following her surgeries with Dr Lambley, and of course was cared for by the cancer therapy nurses.

“Her attitude to life has had a lot to do with where she is now. She didn’t get run down, she was fit and that really helped.”

Image: Mater Private Hospital Redland patient and powerlifter Heather Maddern and trainer Jillian Cox. Credit: Annette Dew