Who is the world’s oldest bodybuilder still competing at the age of 91?

Jim Arrington the oldest bodybuilder
Jim Arrington the world's oldest bodybuilder (Image Source: Larry Wheels' Instagram)

The desire to look better and lift heavy weights never ends in some, and Jim Arrington is one of those people. He is a 91-year-old bodybuilder who is actively competing in bodybuilding events.

Arrington gained everyone's attention when he entered the Guinness World Record in 2015 at 83. However, he hasn't stopped competing in events and is still going strong.

Jim Arrington competed in an IFBB Pro league held in Reno, Nevada, and secured the third rank in the over-70 division and was the winner of the over-80 division. Even at his age, he still has a remarkable physique and never backs down from flexing on magazines for his fans. Last year, he posed nude for Men's Health, and fans were awe-struck by his physique.

Jim Arrington's journey

Jim Arrington was born one-and-a-half-month prematurely and weighed just 5.5 pounds. His parents struggled to keep him alive but Arrington somehow survived and wrote his name in the history books with a golden pen.

In 1947, he was fed up with the complications and decided enough was enough. Since then, Arrington began his weightlifting career to overcome his weaknesses and has never looked back.

"I wanted to be a superhero," he told Guinness World Records.

At 91, he still hits the gym three times a week. Arrington's workout sessions are intense and last about two hours, surprising everyone around him. In an interview with the Guinness World Record, the 91-year-old's gym trainer said:

"I see Jim almost every day. He does more than a good 60% of my clients or anybody that comes into this gym."

Arrington has an exceptional ability to adapt with time, helping him to continue even at his age. He has changed his workouts according to his body, which helps him to lift twice his body weight. Not only did he adapt workouts but also his diet to stay healthy. From the beginning, he was allergic to most foods and ate beef and milk, as they were his only choices.

But as Arrington grew older, he switched his diet to olive oil, mushrooms, and healthy food items. He debuted in the Mr. America contest in the 40+ division, winning in his weight class, earning the Most Muscular title, and securing the second rank in the consent. Since then, he hasn't held back and has competed in over 70 competitions.

Were you also inspired by Jim Arrington? Let us know In the comments.

Edited by Samya Majumdar