ONEIDA, N.Y. — Most people begin slowing down in their 80s. Ray Fougnier is still setting world records.
The 83-year-old member of the Oneida Indian Nation continues to compete in powerlifting, winning championships and breaking records while using his platform to promote healthy living in Native American communities.
What makes Fougnier’s story even more remarkable is that he did not begin competing in powerlifting until he was 70 years old.
Today, he is a multiple-time national champion, Hall of Famer and world record holder.
But Fougnier says the motivation behind his success has little to do with trophies.
He traces much of it back to his parents.
“My father wanted to retire at 65 and enjoy life at that point and he contracted cancer at 65 shortly after he retired and died at 66,” Fougnier said. “My mother contracted diabetes and died at 72. I said how could this happen?”
That question led him to research the connection between strength training and healthy aging. He says the evidence convinced him to commit to a lifestyle centered around fitness and exercise.
More than a decade later, he is still following through on that commitment.
“I say I’m too old to stop it,” Fougnier said. “I want to continue doing it. I feel good.”
And he’s still lifting impressive numbers.
Fougnier says his current total across the three powerlifting disciplines is 900 pounds.
“900 pounds is 400 pounds of deadlift, 300 pounds of squat and 200 pounds of bench,” he said.
While his accomplishments in competition continue to grow, Fougnier says his biggest goal is helping others understand that it’s never too late to take control of their health.
He has spent years encouraging healthier lifestyles in Native communities and hopes his story inspires others to begin their own fitness journey.
“I want people to get the idea that they can do it too,” Fougnier said. “It’s possible. I think I’m living proof that it works.”
A documentary highlighting Fougnier’s life, athletic achievements and advocacy work premiered Wednesday at the Oneida Indian Nation Community Center.
Organizers say they hope to eventually bring the film to communities across the country to share Fougnier’s message of healthy aging, fitness and perseverance.
