My name is Ron Ringewold (aka Papa Smurf). I am 72 years old. I am a graduate of Godwin High School (1955). Upon graduation from High School I enlisted in the Navy where I first began to lift weights. Besides Powerlifting some of my interests are boating, water skiing, car racing, and building race cars.

Powerlifting took over my life at age 52 when I met Bill Beckwith who introduced me to the sport. 'Stop whining and lift' is what he always used to say. Good thing I got involved in Powerlifting as the beer and pizza were taking my stomach over! I am living proof you can change fat to muscle, well kind of.

In 1997 I did a World meet in Taber Alberta, Canada. I entered the 60-64 age class @ 165, but this was too light as I lost strength. I did manage a second place finish at this meet with lifts of 385.7, 198.2, and 473.7.

In 2002 I went to Villa Maria, Argentina to compete on the IPF-USA World Masters competition. I drank too much water and ended up lifting at 198. I placed second in the 65-69 age group with lifts of 475, 235, and 500.

In 2005 at age 69 I performed my all time PR lifts @ 181 lbs:

Squat: 500 lbs.
Bench Press: 230 lbs.
Deadlift: 501 lbs.

The spirit willing I will set new records in the Masters / 70+ yr. group.