Nora Langdon is an unbelievably strong 78-year-old powerlifter. According to Open Powerlifting, Langdon has been competing since 2007, primarily in the 90-kilogram weight class, but sometimes in the 82.5-kilogram weight class. She holds 19 world records — you read that correctly — across two different weight classes.
Recently, she was filmed squatting 159-kilogram (350.5-pound) squat in training wearing a lifting suit, wraps, and a belt. Though impressive, this squat is far from what Langdon is capable of. For reference, here are her competition best single-ply lifts:
- Squat — 187.5 kilograms (413.4 pounds)
- Bench Press — 92.5 kilograms (203.9 pounds)
- Deadlift — 167.5 kilograms (369.3 pounds)
- Total — 445 kilograms (981.1 pounds)
Check out Langdon’s 159-kilogram (350.5-pound) squat below courtesy of Powerlifting Legends’ Instagram page below:
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[Related: Training At 90 — The Immortal Strength Of Powerlifter Joe Stockinger]
Langdon’s most recent sanctioned competition appearance was a first-place finish at the 2020 American Powerlifting Federation (APF) Michigan State Meet in the 82.5-kilogram class. It was a bench press only meet. Langdon posted a 72.5-kilogram (159.8-pound) press. Her most recent full meet was the 2019 American Powerlifting Federation (APF) Nationals, which she won with a total of 420 kilograms (925.9 pounds).
Since 2007, Langdon has competed in 22 sanctioned meets. Of those 22, she’s won 20 of them. The most notable highlights from her competitive resume are wins at the 2008 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Masters Powerlifting Championships, the 2012, 2016, and 2018 World Powerlifting Congress (WPC) World Championships, and the 2019 APF Nationals.
Check out her 155-kilogram (341.7-pound) deadlift from the 2019 APF Nationals below from her Instagram page:
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[Related: The Ultimate Guide To Strength Sports For Masters Athletes (And Why They’re For You)]
Langdon’s World Records
Here are the 19 world records Langdon currently holds according to Open Powerlifting.
Note: all records in the 90-kilogram weight class unless otherwise specified.
Raw
- Deadlift — 173 kilograms (381.4 pounds), 2016 APF Raw Nationals, Masters 70-74
- Bench Press — 92.5 kilograms (203.9 pounds), 2017 APF Michigan Holiday Open, Masters 75-79
- Deadlift — 147.5 kilograms (325.1 pounds), 2017 APF Michigan Holiday Open, Masters 75-79
Single-Ply
Masters 70-74
- Squat — 185 kilograms (407.8 pounds), 2016 APF Michigan State Meet
- Bench Press — 92.5 kilograms (203.9 pounds), 2016 APF Michigan State Meet
- Deadlift — 167.5 kilograms (369.2 pounds), 2016 APF Michigan State Meet
- Total — 445 kilograms (981 pounds), 2016 APF Michigan State Meet
Masters 75-79
- Squat — 167.5 kilograms (369.2 pounds), 2018 WPC World Championships, 82.5-kilogram class
- Squat — 187.5 kilograms (413.3 pounds), 2019 APF Nationals
- Bench Press — 82.5 kilograms (181.8 pounds), 2018 WPC World Championships, 82.5-kilogram class
- Bench Press — 87.5 kilograms (192.9 pounds), 2019 APF Nationals
- Deadlift — 160 kilograms (352.7 pounds), 2018 WPC World Championships, 82.5-kilogram class
- Deadlift — 155 kilograms (341.7 pounds), 2019 APF Nationals
- Total — 405 kilograms (892.8 pounds), 2018 WPC World Championships, 82.5-kilogram class
- Total — 420 kilograms (925.9 pounds), 2019 APF Nationals
Multi-Ply
Masters 70-74
- Squat — 182.5 kilograms (402.3 pounds), 2014 APF Senior Nationals
- Bench Press — 82.5 kilograms (181.8 pounds), 2013 APF Amateur National Powerlifting Championships
- Deadlift — 165 kilograms (363.7 pounds), 2012 WPC World Championships
- Total — 420 kilograms (925.9 pounds), 2014 APF Senior Nationals
To The Future
Langdon has been competing consistently at the top of her division for the last 13 years. Had many powerlifting meets not been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely we would have seen her compete again in 2020. Judging by her track record and this recent lift in the gym, if there is a chance for her to compete in 2021, she will. If so, we’re excited to see how heavy she lifts.
Feature image from Powerlifting Legend’s Instagram page: @powerliftinglegends
