Three gorillas, two tigers or one horse weigh about 900 lbs., and you probably wouldn't dream about lifting any of them. 

Robert Warren did, though. Well, kinda. 

Warren, 80, proved that age is no barrier to strength when he competed this summer at the Open World Cup International Powerlifting Competition in Albany, setting three world records in his age group: deadlifting 415 lbs., bench-pressing 214 lbs. and squatting 275 lbs. for a total of 900 lbs. across the three feats. 

The local entrepreneur—who we coined the "King of the Liftout" all the way back in 2008—is still capturing our attention. In 2009, we also named him a "best-dressed male partygoer," writing that he "breathed fresh air into male style [...] With his surfer-length locks and easy smile, he looks equally relaxed and modern in frayed blue jeans and a designer jacket or a beautifully cut tux."

Warren, who still has the flowing locks and smile, began lifting weights in his 60s but has always had a passion for fitness. His journey began on gymnastic rings, which gradually led him into weightlifting in his 70s.

"I don't meet a lot of guys my age doing this," Warren says. "It's the best way to maintain muscle mass, and it feels really good." 

Warren made his mark by beating a previous record held by a South African in the same age range, who had maintained it for more than five years and his form and strength went down in world-lifting history.

Warren lifts four days a week, constantly pushing himself to do more reps and heavier weights. He credits his continued strength and health to a balanced diet, regular exercise and good sleep.

"You have to eat well which is probably the hardest part—not too much junk. I don't do supplements or take anything enhanced," he says. "I recommend heavy weights for building muscle mass and stronger bones for both men and women."

When he's not setting records, Warren enjoys playing competitive tennis, often close to home in Lakewood Ranch or Payne Park. He's also traveled extensively for more than 50 years for his business, Warren International, a one-of-a-kind executive search firm that had offices in Tokyo, London and Sydney, and for his work as the CEO of a multi-million dollar hedge fund.

Warren, who still works part-time in money and investment management and co-founded his current firm with business partner (now trainer), Daniel Enskat, believes in staying active, both physically and mentally. He adds that his wife, Shannon, a singer and artist, is supportive of his athletic endeavors—even though she teases him about getting shorter from all the lifting. 

As for his future with the sport, he says, "I’m not going to go on the circuit monthly or anything. I think I’m going to stay in the U.S. now, even though a lot of the World Opens are in Europe or Africa."  

His advice to others looking to maintain a sharp mind and body: "Make life challenging. Whether it’s your love life, job or home, change something every three years to keep life interesting."