Rocky Luedeker of Oak Creek, Arizona, is a 62-year-old record-breaking powerlifter. She started lifting competitively four years ago and now holds 13 world records, and 26 state and national records.

According to Luedeker, “My best curl is 45 pounds, my best squat is 124 pounds, my best deadlift is 184 pounds.” She does all of this on a plant-based diet. She loves beans and rice, with lettuce every day. “A common myth is we [vegans] don’t have enough protein, and we have more than enough protein” she said.

But it also takes the right attitude to break records. “If I don’t get it this time, I will practice harder and get it next time,” she said. She has inspired her daughter, Bianca, also a vegetarian, who is now in training for the 2024 Olympics. “Definitely, lifting has greatly increased my confidence,” Bianca said. She is proud to be part of the “Lifting Luedekers” and proud of her powerlifting mom.