Mick Wadge, an 88-year-old from Lancashire, England, has become an unlikely internet sensation for his dedication to weightlifting, a pursuit he only began at the age of 81. His journey has garnered significant attention, including a message from his idol, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Wadge, a former Rolls-Royce designer and salesman, started weightlifting seven years ago following the death of his wife, Margaret, shortly after their 60th wedding anniversary. He found himself with ample free time and, after initially trying other activities, began exercising in his garden with makeshift weights. "I had a massive belly. I just ate everything and didn't really move and was 18 stone, but I had to be doing something!" he recalled.
Rise to Social Media Stardom
Three years ago, Wadge began training with Ross Starkie, the founder of Barbell School. About a month prior to this report, Starkie began posting videos of Wadge's weightlifting sessions on TikTok. The videos, showcasing Wadge's strength and his engaging personality, quickly went viral, attracting nearly a million views. His personal best deadlift is 110kg, nearly twice his current bodyweight of 60kg.
Fitness companies have sent Wadge products, and media outlets have invited him to appear on television and radio shows, though he has politely declined most invitations, preferring to stay in Burnley. "Oh no thank you very much, I'm very happy here," he stated.
Schwarzenegger's Endorsement
Schwarzenegger, Wadge's lifelong idol and favorite weightlifter, reached out to Wadge via social media. "Love what you are doing! Keep pumping!" Schwarzenegger messaged. Initially, Starkie, who manages Wadge's social media, suspected a hoax. However, it was confirmed that Schwarzenegger, who follows only 19 people on the platform, was indeed one of them.
Schwarzenegger, 79, also offered to introduce Wadge to two of his coaches in the U.S., who could serve as a valuable resource. While it is unclear if this is a direct invitation to the United States, Wadge expressed his eagerness to go if the opportunity arises. "Of course! I've only ever been to France and Spain and maybe Italy," he said, referencing his limited international travel.
A New Chapter After Loss
Wadge's life took a significant turn after Margaret's passing. He described the period as "very traumatic" and felt he had "nothing to do." His daughter, Maxine, lives nearby and has been supportive. Wadge's previous occupations include a stint as a semi-professional drummer and a designer for Rolls-Royce. He also holds a brown belt in judo.
He met Margaret at a dance when he was 21, recalling her as "the best looking girl there." He credits her with managing their finances and always helping others. "How brave she was in her long, hard battle with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis," he added.
Training and Community
Wadge's current training regimen includes sessions with Starkie three times a week, as well as independent workouts at a local leisure center. Starkie noted that he treats Wadge like any other client, not coddling him due to his age. "A lot of people treat old people like old people – giving them those little plastic weights and rubber bands and the first thing they do is sit them down in a chair!" Starkie said. "They're too afraid of hurting them. I just treated him like normal and soon he was putting all this muscle on and the weights started going up and up."
Wadge now bench presses 60kg and squats 60kg. His trainer mentioned that Wadge's progress is so exceptional that there is no established category for him in powerlifting competitions or the Guinness Book of Records. Recently, Wadge encouraged his 77-year-old friend John to join Barbell School, who then deadlifted 120kg, prompting Wadge to aim to match that weight.
Despite his newfound online fame, Wadge remains grounded. "Sometimes – not often, mind – I get stopped in the street by someone who's been watching me on TikTok. But it's not a big deal and I prefer it that way," he said. "You can think you're making a lot of pals, but they're acquaintances, not the friends you spend half the day talking with."
He acknowledges the profound impact Starkie has had on his life. "And how he probably wouldn't still be here without him. 'He's saved me,'" Wadge stated. He continues to find joy and purpose in his fitness journey, often remarking, "Shouldn't we do some more lifting?"