Phillip Hambrick, a retired Army helicopter pilot, set a Guinness World Record for bench pressing on his 71st birthday.
GEORGIA, USA — A 71-year-old man has made world and state history after he shattered the world record for bench press in his age group.
Phillip Hambrick, a retired Army helicopter pilot, set a Guinness World Record for bench pressing on his 71st birthday.
On Saturday, June 14, as he made his attempt, he had a crowd of people gathered beside him, showing their support.
“What is most impressive for me is how so many people who came to support me, watched on Facebook or Instagram, have commented how they were inspired to take care of their life and be healthy,” he said.
Hambrick achieved his goal of lifting 335 pounds for the world record and his personal goal of 350-pound lifts.
Watch the moment he made history below.
Hambrick’s son, who was also his coach, was there to spot him and advise him.
Hambrick previously told 11Alive he didn’t want to “let himself go” after retirement, so he turned to fitness to keep himself going and keep up his health, where he turned to bench pressing and fitness.
“I had refused to let myself go during that transition… I said not me because I know that comes with bad health, overweight…and a lot of sickness,” he added.
Hambrick said his wife, Kathryn, has been his biggest supporter and motivator.
“Now my wife does influence me. She does ensure that I go to the gym because she knows that’s my kind of second love of life,” he said.
Hambrick hopes his story motivates younger generations to take better care of their health and stay active no matter their age.
“Any fitness program that will better your health, e.g., running, walking, yoga, swimming, biking, just to name a few, will contribute to good health. Keep the body moving is the key,” he said.
