SEATTLE — A soon-to-be 70-year-old Seattle attorney is heading to South Africa this week to compete against some of the strongest people on the planet in the International Powerlifting Federation's (IPF) Masters Powerlifting Championships.
"I sort of thought that my success in life would come from profession and my brain,” said Alma Kimura. “But apparently I'm better with my body."
A heavy lift, for Alma Kimura who has been a trailblazer in Seattle for decades. "My profession, day job is that of a lawyer, I have my own law practice,” said Kimura. “My past time passion right now is powerlifting."
Age is just a number for this 69-year-old who is turning 70 in October. Kimura has owned her own law practice in Seattle since 1987. But by the numbers, standing at a mere 4-foot-9 and weighing nearly 150 pounds, Kimura is considered one of the strongest women in the world.
“This will be my sixth world power lifting competition,” said Kimura. “I've won gold medals in four that I've gone to."
Now she's in pursuit of her next gold. Heading to Sun City, South Africa, this Friday for IPF’s Masters Powerlifting Championships. Where she'll compete against other world class power lifters, women between the ages 70 and 79.
"You've been training for months, years to get to that point and when you get to that weight, it's exhilarating,” said Kimura.
The heaviest weighted squat she's lifted is 264 pounds and her best deadlift is 335 pounds. Two accomplishments she hopes to surpass during the competition.
As she encourages people to keep lifting each other up, as they follow their passion.
"If you told me 15 years ago that I would be a world champion power lifter and that I would be addicted to this sport, I would've said you're nuts," said Kimura. "But here I am and it's my life."