Seven meals? I eat what I'm given! Meet the 81-year-old breaking weightlifting records

An 81-year-old weightlifter may not know what protein shakes are but he is already a world title holder and is set on lifting a second crown.

Pat Harvey, from Stafford, wants to set a new record for deadlifting and bench press for his age category to prove age is no obstacle to exercise.

He has five sons, 13 grandchildren as well as 12 great-grandchildren and already holds the record for the 70 and older category at the World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation.

He weighs in at just 64kg but lifted 151kg to take the title.

The former boxing coach said: “I was never remotely a powerlifter but someone recommended it.

“I got into it and went to a competition and an American who was there said ‘Why don’t you try breaking the record?’

"I said do not be ridiculous at first but I gave up and did it and broke the record. It was amazing.”

Pat has no coach but trains four days a week for three hours at LS Health Club on Astonfields Industrial Estate, where he does cardio, dynamic warms ups and lifts weights.

The gym has paid his expenses so he can compete, while club members have chipped in to pay his entrance fee.

Legends Nutrition have now decided to sponsor him and he's heading for the federation's championships next month, where he wants to take the record in the 80 and older category by lifting at least 125kg.

Pat also wants to raise money for the Make a Wish foundation and prove that elderly people should not be afraid of exercise.

He added: “It is amazing how many older people do not go to the gym.

"People think if you lift weights up you will have a heart attack, 99 per cent of older people look at a weight and they think not for me and they go to the treadmill or walk around in circles.

“The worst I have is some bruising but no fractures or breaks. You see all these lads, they are a great bunch at the gym, who are grunting and shouting but do not be intimidated. I just tell them to be quiet.”

While other gym enthusiasts eat seven meals a day and drink protein shakes, he eats what is put in front of him and exercises regularly.

He added: “Seven meals! If I go home and say that to the wife I would get a rolling pin to the head immediately. I only weigh 64kg. I am not doing Mr Universe - but that is a thought, I might give it a try.”

Owner of LS Health Club Steve Ecclestone said: "I think it is great all the members have contributed a donation for his entrance fee.

"Pat is quite the character, he has been a member with us for three or four years and he comes practically every day now. He is going to break the world record 100 per cent- there is no doubt about it."