At an age when most people slow down, a 90-year-old Ohio woman did the opposite, setting a new Guinness World Record and redefining expectations of strength and fitness later in life. Pepper Pike resident Anne Creel Esselstyn set the record for the largest female deadlift after hanging her body weight for 2 minutes and 52 seconds. This achievement exceeds the previous record set by 81-year-old Annie Giudice of California, who clocked two minutes and one second. Speaking to Guinness World Records, Esselstyn said the feat was something she never imagined. “I never imagined in 90 years that I would be fortunate enough to have the focused training, support and desire to obtain a Guinness World Record title, especially at the age of 90,” she said.
Reflecting on her life, she added that she spent years supporting her children and grandchildren in their sporting endeavors rather than seeking recognition for herself.
Esselstyn’s background as a lifelong athlete has played an important role in her success. She has played and coached 10 different sports over the years and has only recently ramped up her routine. Last year, I started a daily fitness regimen before breakfast, alternating between riding a Peloton, doing yoga, running, and lifting weights.
While she sometimes used a hanging bar to improve her posture, the idea to attempt a record came from her son, Rip. The turning point came during a FaceTime call when Rip presented his “Hanging with Rip” challenge. Esselstyn stated that she did attempt hanging from time to time, which prompted him to ask her to demonstrate. She managed 1 minute and 15 seconds on her first attempt, leaving him, in her words, “amazed.”
The next day, after learning about her current record, he encouraged her to aim higher. Esselstyn believes the goal is achievable. “Because I was able to hang for one minute and 15 seconds without a lot of practice, it wasn’t impossible,” she said. She began focused training in February, with daily guidance from her son virtually. Over time, I noticed obvious physical changes. “Believe it or not, as the month went on, I felt my hands starting to get stronger.
The blisters that were initially very painful turned into calluses; She explained that my back was feeling a little better.
Esselstyn shot dead / Photo: Guinness World Records
The official attempt took place on March 6 at her home, with a large group in attendance to validate the efforts. Timers, photographers, witnesses, a lawyer, a firefighter, neighbors, two personal trainers and all four of her children gathered to watch. Her first attempt reached 2 minutes and 41 seconds, but it had to be repeated after she kicked her feet, risking disqualification. After a 30-minute break, I tried again. The room remained silent as the seconds passed. “Everyone was quiet until the two-minute mark,” she said. “After two minutes and 30 seconds, the room exploded in cheers. Then I heard that I had come further than my first attempt.” Despite the physical stress, I managed to persevere. She added: “My back and arms hurt, but the screams I made at the time of my first attempt, approaching three minutes, left me in a state of astonishment,” noting that the excitement in the room quickly overshadowed the pain. Her final time of 2 minutes and 52 seconds set the record, representing an extraordinary achievement that combines discipline, family support and a lifetime of sport.