‘Age is just a number': China grandma, 71, comes third in fitness contest, shares health tips
BEIJING (SCMP): A Chinese grandmother has inspired countless netizens after winning third place in a fitness competition, following four years of rigorous training.
On June 1, 71-year-old Sun Minghui, who is originally from Ma'anshan in Anhui province, central China, won the bronze medal in the mixed-gender category at the 2025 Wuhan round of the National Fitness Newcomers Quality Competition.
Sun was the oldest competitor at the event.
Before retiring, she worked in the cafeteria of a steel factory and despite the demands of her job, always maintained a passion for exercise.
Sun Minghui, who won a bronze medal in the contest, was the oldest person taking part. -- Photo: ctdsb.net
After retirement, she explored a variety of sports, including cycling, jumping rope, jogging, and hiking.
She only began formal fitness training at the age of 67 and has developed an impressive six-pack and firm overall muscle tone.
'After just over a month of training, I began to see changes. My biceps became visible, and the contours of my lats started to show. I did not lose muscle with age; I gained it. That gave me a huge confidence boost.
'This proves that no matter your age, you can do strength training or other exercises. Moving is always better than staying still,' Sun told Hubei Media Group.
Sun follows a strict training regime and pays close attention to what she eats to stay fit. -- Photo: ctdsb.net She now follows a scientific and disciplined fitness regime. She eats four to five egg whites daily to ensure a high-quality protein intake and sticks to a low-oil, low-salt, low-sugar diet.
Her workout routine includes at least five training sessions per week, each lasting over an hour.
Sun also emphasises safety and sustainability when it comes to senior fitness, advising that older adults should exercise at '70 per cent effort' to ensure gradual, injury-free progress.
'I am 71 years old. Age is just a number, not a limitation. Some people think seniors should just drink tea and go for walks, but I want something different. I want to lift dumbbells and let my muscles do the talking,' Sun told Jimu News.
She is also a keen cyclist.
In 2014, at the age of 60, she cycled from China's easternmost point to its southernmost city, Sanya, covering 6,316 kilometres in 45 days and setting a new Guinness World Record with her teammates.
Sun on her bicycle. The 71-year-old set a Guinness World Record with her teammates by cycling across China. -- Photo: ctdsb.net
'Ageing is inevitable, but exercise can transform both your physical and mental well-being. I hope my story encourages more elderly friends to make the most of their free time after retirement and take control of their health,' Sun said.
She now also shares her fitness journey on social media.
One online observer said: 'I think this is amazing. When seniors stay healthy, it is a blessing for their children too. Her kids must be so proud of her!' - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
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