World Masters Weightlifting Champion · Coach

Ruta Lendraitiene

Hi, I'm Ruta! I didn't start Olympic weightlifting until I was 34, and I went on to become a World Masters Weightlifting Champion. I'm living proof that it's never too late to start.

I've always believed age is just a number, but I didn't really put that to the test until I was 34. That's when I first picked up a barbell for Olympic weightlifting, and I haven't looked back since.

In 2026 I won gold at the World Masters Weightlifting Championships in the W45 77kg category, with an 80kg snatch and a 100kg clean and jerk for a 180kg total. I'm also a European Masters Weightlifting Champion and have set multiple European Masters records in the snatch and clean and jerk.

I compete in functional fitness too, as an Rx and adaptive CrossFit athlete, with best lifts of an 86kg squat snatch and a 115kg clean and jerk.

As a coach, I'm all about strict technique, structured training and habits you can keep. Most of all, I want to help people break down the mental barriers around age and what their body can do. Whether you're an experienced athlete or just getting started later in life, there's so much more in you than you think.

"It's never too late to start. I'm proof of that, and I'd love to help you prove it too."

Coaching style

Technically strict, built on strong barbell foundations, and big on mindset. I'll help you break down the barriers you've put around your age or ability, then build strength that lasts.

Catch Ruta in class

Ruta brings her weightlifting expertise to our classes. If you want to sharpen up your snatch or clean and jerk, she's the coach to ask.

Outside the gym

I run my own coaching business, Ruta Strong, offering 1:1 strength, nutrition and lifestyle coaching, including my "Not Too Late" group for adults who come to the sport later in life. I'm also Director and Program Architect at The School Of Wellness.