OLDIE BUT GOLDIE: Bodybuilder Aged 86 Becomes Oldest Male To Ever Take Part In Japan’s Bodybuilding Championships

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An 86-year-old bodybuilder has broken his previous record as the oldest male competitor in bodybuilding championships in Japan.

Toshisuke Kanazawa from the city of Hiroshima, participated in the 68th Japan Men’s Bodybuilding Championship in Osaka, Japan on Sunday, 9th October.

Despite failing to make it in the top 12, the brave 86-year-old man went up shoulder to shoulder against the best young bodybuilders of the country.

Toshisuke Kanazawa poses in an undated photo. Kanazawa broke his own record as the oldest person to compete at the Japanese bodybuilding championships in Osaka, Japan, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. (Newsflash)

He said: “I’m grateful for just being able to participate. I hope I can reach the hearts of others when they see me take on a challenge even in old age.”

Media reported that Kanazawa began his bodybuilding career at the age of 20, and won his first championship four years later at 24 years old.

After having gained his second “Mister Japan” title at the age of 27, he then retired seven years later when he was 34.

Toshisuke Kanazawa poses in an undated photo. Kanazawa broke his own record as the oldest person to compete at the Japanese bodybuilding championships in Osaka, Japan, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. (Newsflash)

It took him about 15 years to make an official comeback in order to uplift his wife’s spirit who was prone to illness.

Kanazawa has conquered men’s Japan bodybuilding championships a total of 15 times, counting in a victory in the masters championships for bodybuilders aged 40 or above when he was 57 years old.

After coming at second place in the 34th edition of the Japan masters championships in Hokkaido in August, he said: “I’m still not anywhere near the finish line.

Toshisuke Kanazawa poses in an undated photo. Kanazawa broke his own record as the oldest person to compete at the Japanese bodybuilding championships in Osaka, Japan, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. (@toshisuke.kanazawa/Newsflash)

“It’s important to keep setting goals and taking on challenges no matter how old you are.”

Meanwhile Kanazawa is already planning his participation in the world championships about to take place Spain in November 2022.

He commented, “I want to compete until I’m 90. And I’d like to set myself as an example to other grandpas and grandmas in the world by living healthy until 100.”

(T4/ends)