Age might catch up to most people — but not Rafael Vera Diaz.
The Spanish bodybuilding legend and former world champion has proven that discipline and passion can defy time itself, as he continues to off a ripped, competition-ready physique even at 80 years old.
Diaz, a three-time World Champion, still trains with the same intensity that carried him to international success decades ago. His trophy cabinet includes a gold medal from the 2003 Mr. Olympia Masters USA and another from the 2013 Arnold Classic Europa, but it’s his relentless drive and positive outlook that continue to inspire fans around the world.
In a recent video shared to his Instagram account, the 80-year-old reflected on staying in great shape at his age, writing: How time flies: But you have to always move forward living day by day… That’s why I continue!”
And fans couldn’t believe their eyes, hailing Diaz a role model for keeping fit, despite Father Time ticking by. “You are an example to follow,” one person wrote.
Another commented: “Wow… a lifetime devoted to sport.”
“When I grow up I want to be like you,” a third wrote, with another typing: “You’re a great inspiration to many of us on this path, it’s good to see how you maintain yourself through the years.”
Before bodybuilding, Diaz worked as a gymnastics coach for over 25 years, a foundation that shaped his understanding of movement and discipline. He only began bodybuilding at age 35, but once he did, he never looked back.
For Diaz, the formula for longevity has always been straightforward: consistent training, clean eating, and healthy living. He’s never smoked or drunk alcohol, and he swears by the idea that “a healthy lifestyle solves all problems”, per Generation Iron.
Even now, decades after first stepping on stage, Diaz keeps the same daily routine — gym sessions, mindful nutrition, and a mindset that refuses to acknowledge age as a limitation. His Instagram posts have garnered an impressive following of over 74,000, with each post receiving thousands of reactions.
And while Diaz’s story is incredible on its own, he’s not the only veteran athlete proving that the sport has no age limit. Andrew Bostino, for example, is widely regarded as the world’s oldest bodybuilder after competing at 100 years old.
Bostino — known as the “godfather of natural bodybuilding” — first hit the stage in 1938 and celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this year with a workout. That’s not exactly a surprise given his track record.
Over his career, Bostino founded the National Gym Association (NGA) in 1979, a nonprofit organization that still promotes drug-free, natural bodybuilding across the world.
When he was training for competition, Bostinto stuck to strict nutrition: “I ate high proteins, low carbohydrates, two fruits, two salads [and] 15 glasses of water,” he told Muscle & Fitness.
At 100, he doesn’t need quite as much, but he still focuses on balance and clean eating. His go-to foods include scrambled eggs, yogurt, and spaghetti and meatballs.
“I don’t overeat anything. Everything I eat, I control. I don’t want something greasy,” he said. “I never smoked, never drank.”
Even now, Bostinto trains five to six days a week, following a routine based on the same system he used decades ago — though slightly modified after a stroke and lingering leg issues from his Army days.
When he took to the stage at the NGA Gator Classic on May 10, it wasn’t just another competition — it was another testament to his lifelong philosophy that fitness is a lifelong commitment, not a phase. The NGA celebrated the achievement, recognizing him as one of the sport’s enduring icons.
Despite not holding an IFBB Pro card — which means he isn’t formally recognized by Guinness World Records — Bostino’s influence is undeniable. The oldest recognized competitor by Guinness is Jim Arrington, who’s still active at 92 years old.
So, there you have it. Age really is just a number. The choice is yours.
Featured image credit: Instagram/@rafael_vera_d (screenshots)
