Week 29: Iron Man

When Bruce Wasson, 63, attends a body building competition, you could say he’s alone at the top. That’s because he’s almost always the oldest to enter his division. And because there are usually no competitors in his age category, he has to bump down a class.

For the past nine years, he’s been lifting and winning against considerably younger entrants.

“It’s like a piece of candy, I couldn’t stop doing them,” Wasson said. Five years ago he came in first place at a competition in Manchester and has placed multiple times along the way. “At my age, everybody should have a hobby,” Wasson said. “Some go golfing, some go fishing. Me? It was coming to the gym.”

However, it wasn’t always looking up for Wasson’s health, for years he was out of shape and a small 133 pounds. To make things worse, small flakes appeared on his nose that would turn out to be diagnosed as lupus, a treatable connective tissue disease that causes his joints to ache considerably. In talking with a doctor, he was weaned into the gym to help fight the disease. When he got back, after a 20-year absence, he reconnected with an old friend. “It’s a second home; if you treat it good, it’ll treat you good. Just don’t try to be a hero and lift 1,000 pounds,” Wasson said. Now, a stout 153 and with the body of a 40-year-old, he has more bounce in his step.

Wasson’s wife, Betsy, “loves it.” His five children? Always support him 100 percent. They all cheer him on at shows. However, this looks like it will be the last year of competition for the old iron man. But that doesn’t mean he’s going to stop lifting. “It just takes a lot out of you,” Wasson said.

In the end, the Souhegan High School building supervisor, who strives for improvement, wants to train others.

“I just want to enjoy it. It’s not a headcase thing where it’s ‘Wow look at me,” Wasson said. “It’s just that it’s good for you. And I’m going to keep doing it until I can’t do it anymore.” If you have a senior story that needs to be told please contact Corey at 603-546-5366 or e-mail him at cperrine@nashuatelegraph.com.