She ain't heavy, she's our granny
By ADRIAN TAME
29may05
SOURCE
TO HER 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Margaret "Jonnie" Rodda is the Maryborough Marvel.
The 79-year-old holds four Australian and four Victorian power lifting records.
Jonnie took up the sport 18 months ago, but already can lift about 1 1/2 times her weight, has developed the supple limbs of a 20-year-old and has her sights on a world record.
It started when Adam Mazzon, 39, opened Healthmania, a health food shop and gymnasium in the Central Victorian town.
"Jonnie came in the day we opened and asked a few questions, then said she would be right back," Mr Mazzon said.
"She was -- 10 minutes later. She slapped $50 on the counter and said, 'I'll have three sessions and I want to start right now'."
Jonnie has not looked back.
This month, she competed in the Australian Drug Free Power Lifting Association Victorian championships in Bendigo and set the eight records.
In August, Jonnie plans to compete in the ADFPLA all-Australia championships.
Mr Mazzon said she was a shoo-in for the world record in her division.
One of her records in the under 53kg, age 75 to 79 division, is a dead lift of 70kg -- about 1 1/2 times her weight.
"As soon as I saw her lifting I realised she has one of the strongest lower backs I've seen," Mr Mazzon said. "She trains an hour three times a week."
Her husband, Federal, 82, has resisted Jonnie's efforts to have him join her.
"I've done this to prove you're not finished when you turn 60," she said.
... and I'm half way there!
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