A 71-year-old grandmother from China has captured the hearts of many after securing third place in a national fitness competition, following four years of dedicated training.
Sun Minghui, a retired steel factory cafeteria worker from Ma’anshan in central China’s Anhui province, took home the bronze medal in the mixed-gender category at the 2025 Wuhan round of the National Fitness Newcomers Quality Competition on June 1. She was the oldest participant in the event.
Despite the physical demands of her past job, Sun always had a passion for staying active. After retiring, she explored various forms of exercise, including cycling, rope jumping, jogging, and hiking. At age 67, she began formal fitness training, which led to remarkable changes in her physique. Today, she proudly sports a defined six-pack and firm muscle tone.
“After just over a month of training, I saw visible results. My biceps appeared, and the shape of my back muscles became clear. I didn’t lose muscle with age — I gained it. That gave me a huge boost in confidence,” Sun told Hubei Media Group.
She now follows a strict and well-planned workout and diet routine. Her fitness plan includes at least five workout sessions per week, each lasting over an hour. To build muscle, she consumes four to five egg whites daily and sticks to a low-oil, low-salt, and low-sugar diet.
Sun stresses that older adults should prioritize safety. She recommends exercising at “70 percent effort” to avoid injuries and allow steady progress. “Age is just a number, not a limit,” she told Jimu News. “Some think seniors should only drink tea and go for walks, but I want more. I want to lift dumbbells and show my strength.”
In addition to strength training, Sun is an avid cyclist. In 2014, at the age of 60, she cycled from China’s easternmost point to its southernmost city, Sanya. She completed the 6,316-kilometre journey in 45 days, setting a Guinness World Record with her team.
“Growing old is natural,” she said, “but exercise can improve both body and mind. I hope my story inspires more retired people to use their free time to stay healthy and active.”
Sun now shares her fitness journey online, encouraging others to lead healthier lives. One social media user commented, “This is amazing. When seniors stay healthy, it’s a blessing for their children too. Her kids must be so proud of her.”
