In November, Robert Prowker of Nashua will be competing for Team USA in the World Powerlifting Championships in Hyannis, Mass. Courtesy photo

NASHUA – Age is truly just a number for 59-year-old Nashua resident Robert Prowker as he prepares to compete for Team USA in the World Powerlifting Championships in Hyannis, Mass. in November.

“He has a young soul and a heart of gold,” said Prowker’s daughter, Sarah. “Constantly motivating men and women of all ages in and out of the gym.”

Sarah said her father began lifting weights 30 years ago “just to work out.” However, after a time, Prowker stepped away from lifting to take up running and competed in the Boston Marathon in 2009, 2012 and 2015. During his last race, Prowker achieved his goal of crossing the finish line in less than four hours.

Three years ago, Prowker’s passion for powerlifting was rekindled when Sarah decided to try the sport.

“He was done with running and wanted to get into something else,” said Sarah, adding that she and her father train at the FITLAB Fitness Club in Hudson. “We have a small group of powerlifters in our gym. We all support each other and feed off each other’s energy for big lifts.”

In June, Prowker finished in third place at the Blood in the Water competition in Yarmouth, Mass. where he lifted a combined weight of 855 pounds.

The following month, he competed in the national championships for the American Drug Free Powerlifting Federation. During that competition, Prowker set three new records, lifting 413 pounds in the squat, 336 pounds in the benchpress and 490 pounds in the deadlift.

Sarah also said she never has to worry about her father being injured as he knows exactly how to lift staggering amounts of weight.

“He learned that form is everything,” she said.