I started powerlifting when I was 65. I worked in real estate in Michigan for about 35 years, and when I retired I decided to lose a bit of weight. A friend’s husband, Art Little, who is a personal trainer, invited me to his gym. He introduced me to powerlifting and he is still my trainer now.

The first time I went, he gave me a broomstick to lift. The next day I told myself I wouldn’t return, but I heard a voice in my head telling me to go back. So, I ended up returning day after day. After a few weeks, my trainer encouraged me to go to a tournament to watch others compete. I was really amazed, but there was no one of my age. I asked my trainer if he thought I could do it, and he said, “Oh, sure.” The first time I competed was at a state meet. I was amazed that I won, because the others had been doing it far longer. I just came in after two months’ practice and defeated them all. After that, I knew powerlifting was for me.

My trainer had me going to the gym three times a week. I improved so quickly because I was consistent. If I was supposed to be there on Monday, I would be there, regardless of whether it was a holiday, or rainy or snowy day. I didn’t miss a day—and that’s how I’m up to the weight I’m lifting now, although the gains happened slowly. Each year, I was getting better.

I’m 79 now and I tell people of my age that they can do this, too; they just have to be consistent and start with something small.

【小题1】Why did the author go back to the gym?

A．She felt ashamed of her behavior.

B．The trainer persuaded her to go back.

C．The broomstick was easy for her to lift.

D．The inner power from her heart made her to go on.

【小题2】What was beyond the author’s expectations?

A．She could go to the gym and practice.	B．She had a win in the competition.
C．She gained confidence from the trainer.	D．She was the oldest one in the competition.

【小题3】Which of the following words could describe the author?

A．Diligent and curious.	B．Determined and smart.
C．Hard-working and humorous.	D．Persistent and devoted.

【小题4】What does the passage mainly talk about?

A．No pains, no gains.	B．Better late than never.
C．A little labor, much health.	D．Do things consistently.