Eighty-four-year-old Matti Oksanen impresses at Finnish Championships with 20 pull-ups

Eighty-four-year-old Matti Oksanen from Lempäälä is making headlines after an impressive performance at the Finnish Championships, where he completed 20 successful pull-ups, just shy of one repetition from his own national record. Despite battling a stomach illness three days prior to the competition, he expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting that one of his attempts was disqualified.

In addition to his pull-up achievements, Oksanen has lifted 101 kilograms in deadlifts this year and continues to train at Nääshalli in Tampere, where he also coaches younger athletes. Tommi Vasankari, director of the UKK Institute, applauded Oksanen’s feat, stating that it would rank among the best performances for a soldier today. He emphasized that Oksanen’s achievements demonstrate how maintaining fitness can yield long-lasting benefits.

Oksanen’s journey into competitive pull-ups began five years ago after a shoulder injury forced him to take a break from weightlifting. He has been physically active since his youth, often doing pull-ups during breaks at work, and remains dedicated to his fitness routine in retirement. He maintains a healthy lifestyle, attributing part of his wellbeing to his daily consumption of apples.

Vasankari warns that younger generations may face significant health challenges as they age if they do not prioritize fitness throughout their working years. Recent studies suggest that physical activity begun in one’s 50s can yield benefits equivalent to starting earlier.

Oksanen aims to continue competing and plans to improve his score at next year’s championship, aspiring to achieve 22 pull-ups. As he approaches his 85th birthday, he hopes to surpass his own records once again.